Packaging technology company PulPac is piloting its first dry moulded fibre technology line, in what it said is a step towards producing plastic-free and degradable fibre products.
PulPac CEO Linus Larsson said this was the first industrial method that can convert cellulose fibres into packaging that is price-competitive enough to replace single-use plastics at scale.
“It is possible to use all types of cellulose fibres: virgin, residue, or recycled,” Larsson said.
The new pilot line is fully automated. Raw paper pulp is fed through a mill to break it up into fibres. These are then formed into a web that is fed into a standard plate press. The press is equipped with tooling that compacts the fibres into a mould.
“Any offcuts and excess web can be fed back into the system to minimise waste,” Larsson said.
“Barriers and surface decorations are easy to add in-line, rolling all manufacturing processes into one. So, there is no need for additional steps.”
PulPac said the dry forming enables high-speed manufacturing of fibre products of almost any shape or use. It saves energy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions. It also presents many design and tech advantages that traditional fibre moulding methods cannot meet.
Larsson said the pilot line is a showcase for the advantages of the technology.
“Our clients will be able to deliver what a whole world demands, a sustainable replacement to single-use plastics – and they can do so with maintained or even increased margins in several categories,” he said.
“Our vision is to be a world leader in innovative packaging that is both sustainable and commercially successful. We help clients to disrupt the industry and set a new and sustainable standard for packaging and single-use products.”
