Is US11072148B2 truly novel, or could prior art shake its foundation? This patent, granted to Sigma Technologies Int’l, LLC, is licensed to Pratt Retail Specialties, LLC and is now at the center of litigation. Pratt has sued ProAmpac LLC, alleging infringement of the patent, which covers a recyclable insulated packaging material designed to provide thermal protection while remaining fully repulpable.
The patent claims a breakthrough in aluminized polymeric film technology, allowing the material to maintain low emissivity for insulation while ensuring that aluminum oxidizes completely during recycling—overcoming a key challenge in sustainable packaging. However, the lawsuit raises a critical question: Does prior art already disclose similar features?
In patent disputes, prior art can be a decisive factor in validity and enforcement. Using the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool, we’ll examine whether existing patents or publications could challenge US11072148B2. Let’s dive into the analysis.
Understanding Patent US11072148B2
Patent US11072148B2 describes a recyclable insulated packaging material designed to provide thermal protection while ensuring compatibility with industrial recycling processes. The invention utilizes an aluminized polymeric film with an emissivity of 0.10 or less, allowing it to function as a radiant barrier while maintaining repulpability.
A key innovation of the patent is that the thin aluminum layer fully oxidizes during the recycling process. Thus it prevents contamination and allows the material to be classified as recyclable.
Source: Google Patents
Its four key features are:
- Multi-layer structure – A combination of paper, polymer, aluminum, and an optional protective coating to achieve recyclability and thermal insulation.
- Low-emissivity aluminum layer – The aluminum coating has a thickness of 200 nanometers or less, enabling heat reflection while ensuring minimal environmental impact.
- Oxidation-enabled recycling – The aluminum layer is engineered to fully oxidize and disappear during standard recycling processes, making the packaging repulpable.
- Protective coating option – A micron-thin coating can be applied to prevent corrosion during use without raising the emissivity beyond 0.10.
This patent is at the center of a legal dispute between Pratt Retail Specialties, LLC and ProAmpac LLC. Pratt, having licensed the patent from Sigma Technologies Int’l, LLC, is suing ProAmpac for alleged infringement. The case hinges on whether ProAmpac’s packaging solutions incorporate the same core innovations described in US11072148B2 or whether prior art suggests that similar technology existed before the patent’s filing.
Potential Prior Art References for US11072148B2
#1. EP0494077A1
This patent, filed on January 2, 1992, describes a recyclable food packaging material. It incorporates a low-emissivity aluminum coating applied to a barrier layer, which is affixed to a paper-based structure. The packaging is designed to provide thermal insulation while maintaining recyclability, as the aluminum layer oxidizes over time to form aluminum oxide.
Source: GPS
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Stack with a paper layer – The reference describes a paperboard or paper base layer with distinct surfaces, similar to US11072148B2.
- Low-emissivity aluminum coating – A vapor-deposited aluminum layer is applied to the packaging material, aligning with the patent’s claims.
- Protective coating over aluminum – The reference describes an optional lacquer coating over the aluminum, corresponding to the protective layer in US11072148B2.
- Aluminum oxidation in recycling – The reference mentions that the aluminum layer oxidizes, making it degradable, though it does not specify the same recycling process as US11072148B2.
Which features of US11072148B2 are disclosed by EP0494077A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A stack includes a paper layer with first and second surfaces | Fully Disclosed |
| A polymer layer with third and fourth surfaces has its third surface affixed to the second surface of the paper layer | Partially Disclosed |
| An intermediate coating layer is applied to the fourth surface of the polymer layer | Partially Disclosed |
| An aluminum layer with a thickness of 200 nanometers or less is carried by the intermediate coating layer | Fully Disclosed |
| The aluminum layer becomes fully oxidized with no visible aluminum present when subjected to specific recycling treatment | Partially Disclosed |
| A protective coating layer of 1 micron or less thickness is disposed over the aluminum layer | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from EP0494077A1:
“The low emission layer or coating 26 on the interior surface of the barrier 24 must have an emissivity no greater than about 0.5, and preferably no greater than about 0.2, highly reflective metals such as aluminum, copper, silver, and gold being suitable materials.”
#2. BR102016030340A2
This patent, filed on December 22, 2016, describes a corrugated cardboard package with recyclable or biodegradable thermal insulation. The packaging is designed for transporting temperature-sensitive products, using a layered structure including kraft or recycled paper and an impermeable substrate to provide insulation. The invention aims to offer a sustainable alternative to traditional thermal packaging while maintaining recyclability.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Stack with a paper layer – The reference describes a corrugated cardboard structure that includes kraft or recycled paper layers, partially aligning with US11072148B2.
- Biodegradable and recyclable design – The reference emphasizes recyclability, which is relevant to the purpose of US11072148B2.
- Thermal insulation properties – The packaging is designed for temperature-sensitive goods, similar to the intended use of US11072148B2.
- Use of impermeable substrate – While not explicitly a polymer layer, the reference describes an impermeable material providing a barrier, which partially aligns with the structure in US11072148B2.
Which features of US11072148B2 are disclosed by BR102016030340A2?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A stack includes a paper layer with first and second surfaces | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from BR102016030340A2:
“The packaging structure consists of a corrugated cardboard base with biodegradable thermal insulation, designed to be a sustainable alternative for transporting cold or hot products while ensuring recyclability.”
#3. WO2016029024A1
This patent, filed on August 20, 2015, describes a biodegradable packaging material for shipping that utilizes corn starch foam compressed into a flexible sheet. The packaging structure consists of laminated layers, including a polymer film heat-bonded to the paper layer. It aims to provide environmentally friendly, compostable alternatives to traditional shipping materials.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Stack with a paper layer – The reference describes a compressed corn starch foam sheet, functionally similar to a paper layer in US11072148B2.
- Polymer layer affixed to paper – A polymer film is heat-bonded to the biodegradable paper layer, aligning with US11072148B2.
- Multi-layer structure for packaging – The reference discusses laminated structures, a key aspect of US11072148B2.
- Sustainable and recyclable focus – The invention is designed to be biodegradable and compostable, similar in intent to the recyclability goal of US11072148B2.
This is how feature mapping from the tool looks like:
Source: GPS
Which features of US11072148B2 are disclosed by WO2016029024A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A stack includes a paper layer with first and second surfaces | Fully Disclosed |
| A polymer layer with third and fourth surfaces has its third surface affixed to the second surface of the paper layer | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from WO2016029024A1:
“The corn starch foam is compressed into a thin, flexible sheet—referred to as ‘paper’—by rolling it through rollers. Multiple sheets can be laminated together, with a polymer film heat-bonded to the paper layer to improve durability and performance.”
#4. CN202071446U
This patent, filed on May 18, 2011, describes an environment-friendly aluminum paper composite packing material. The invention consists of a layered structure made of aluminum foil and a middle layer of Gerasin paper. It aims at providing moisture resistance and environmental benefits. The reference emphasizes degradability and ease of recycling, making it relevant to sustainable packaging solutions.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Stack with a paper layer – The reference describes a middle layer made of Gerasin paper, aligning with the paper layer in US11072148B2.
- Aluminum-paper composite – The structure includes an aluminum foil layer laminated onto paper, similar to the multi-layered approach in US11072148B2.
- Environmental focus – The material is designed to be moisture-resistant yet biodegradable, aligning with the recyclability aspect of US11072148B2.
- Coating layer over aluminum – A coating is applied to the aluminum foil layer, though the reference does not specify thickness or protective properties.
Which features of US11072148B2 are disclosed by CN202071446U?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A stack includes a paper layer with first and second surfaces | Fully Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from CN202071446U:
“The utility model is mainly made of aluminum foil paper, with the moisture-proof capability being good; it degrades under specific conditions and is easy to recycle.”
#5. US20180265274A1
This patent, filed on March 20, 2018, describes a food packaging material that includes a multi-layered structure. It constitutes a moisture-impermeable outer layer and a moisture-permeable inner layer. The packaging incorporates a vacuum-deposited metallic coating, such as aluminum, which provides infrared (IR) reflectivity to reduce heat loss while maintaining recyclability.
Why this qualifies as Potential Prior Art?
- Stack with a paper layer – The reference describes a food container with a moisture-permeable inner layer, which corresponds to the paper layer in US11072148B2.
- Vacuum-deposited aluminum coating – The reference discloses an aluminum layer applied as a thin metallic coating, partially aligning with US11072148B2.
- Recyclability and compostability – The invention claims the materials used are recyclable, supporting the environmental focus of US11072148B2.
- Protective lacquer layer – The reference describes a lacquer applied over the aluminum coating, which may function similarly to the protective layer in US11072148B2.
Which features of US11072148B2 are disclosed by US20180265274A1?
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | Disclosure Status |
| A stack includes a paper layer with first and second surfaces | Fully Disclosed |
| A polymer layer with third and fourth surfaces has its third surface affixed to the second surface of the paper layer | Partially Disclosed |
| An intermediate coating layer is applied to the fourth surface of the polymer layer | Partially Disclosed |
| An aluminum layer with a thickness of 200 nanometers or less is carried by the intermediate coating layer | Partially Disclosed |
| The aluminum layer becomes fully oxidized with no visible aluminum present when subjected to specific recycling treatment | Partially Disclosed |
| A protective coating layer of 1 micron or less thickness is disposed over the aluminum layer | Partially Disclosed |
Key Excerpt from US20180265274A1:
“According to an arrangement, the coating may include a vacuum-deposited metalized or metallic coating such as an aluminum coating. This may provide an IR reflective coating to prevent radiative heat loss while also being recyclable and compostable.”
Feature Comparison Table
| Key Feature of Claim 1 | EP0494077A1 | BR102016030340A2 | WO2016029024A1 | CN202071446U | US20180265274A1 |
| A stack includes a paper layer with first and second surfaces | Fully Disclosed | Partially Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Fully Disclosed |
| A polymer layer with third and fourth surfaces has its third surface affixed to the second surface of the paper layer | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| An intermediate coating layer is applied to the fourth surface of the polymer layer | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| An aluminum layer with a thickness of 200 nanometers or less is carried by the intermediate coating layer | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| The stack has emissivity equal to or smaller than 0.10 as perceived through the aluminum layer’s outer surface | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The aluminum layer becomes fully oxidized with no visible aluminum present when subjected to specific recycling treatment | Partially Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| A protective coating layer of 1 micron or less thickness is disposed over the aluminum layer | Fully Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Partially Disclosed |
| The protective coating thickness maintains the emissivity value after coating the aluminum layer | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
| The protective coating prevents oxidation during normal use while allowing oxidation during recycling treatment | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
Uncovering Prior Art with Precision
Navigating patent disputes requires strong, data-backed evidence, and identifying relevant prior art is a crucial step in evaluating a patent’s validity. The Global Patent Search (GPS) tool streamlines this process, making it faster and more efficient. With GPS you can get:
Patent & keyword search – Instantly retrieve patents by entering a patent number or description.
Source: GPS
Feature-by-feature mapping – Analyze key technical elements to find the closest prior art matches.
Curated prior art lists – GPS provides a ranked selection of references, ensuring only the most relevant results.
Detailed technical reports – Gain insights into how each prior art reference aligns with the patent in question.
Data-driven legal strategies – Use comprehensive comparisons to challenge or defend a patent with confidence.
With Global Patent Search, you eliminate guesswork and uncover the most relevant prior art with unmatched efficiency—giving you the edge in patent litigation and due diligence.
Dominate Patent Battles with Unmatched Prior Art Research
In high-stakes patent litigation, the right prior art can make or break a case. But sifting through mountains of documents? That’s a thing of the past. Global Patent Search (GPS) puts powerful, data-driven insights at your fingertips.
- Instant, targeted search – Find highly relevant prior art in seconds, not weeks.
- Feature-by-feature precision – Uncover technical overlaps with unmatched accuracy.
- Legal-grade analysis – Arm yourself with ironclad, data-backed evidence for litigation, due diligence, and invalidation.
Patent disputes demand speed, accuracy, and strategy—and Global Patent Search delivers. Don’t rely on guesswork when facts win cases.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The prior art references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive prior art analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.
