INTERNATIONAL MOLDED FIBER ASSOCIATION
Molded Fiber Mission Impossible: Achieved
Bill Keiding

Last year, IMFA received an inquiry  from International Artist Ellen Griesedieck, for an unusual molded fiber item for a large art project called the American Mural Project

Since the request was for a curved- shaped hemispherical “link” 96 inches by 18 inches, it appeared to be an extremely challenging manufacturing task. Also, as an original art work and part of a giant mural, less than 100 “links” were needed. These “links” were obviously not a commercial project and one that, in IMFA’s experience, would not be possible to manufacture with most known equipment and technologies
.

  • RECYCLED and RECYCLABLE
    waste paper
  • BIODEGRADABLE
  • COMPOSTABLE
  • Easily incinerated
  • Reduced material going to landfills
  • No toxic wastes in manufacturing process
  • Renewable resource
  • IMFA Board of Advisors
  • IMFA Members

IMFA
1425 W. Mequon Road
Suite C-D
Mequon , WI 53092 USA
Phone: 414-527-4829
Fax: 262-241-3766
Email:info@impepa.org

Copyright ©2001 IMFA

 

Painting American Mural Project
Jim Gehl, President of Keiding Inc.

Because of the location and the possibility (though remote) of achieving this project, IMFA member Jim Gehl at the Keiding Company was contacted and shown the details of the American Mural Project.The rest is history. Jim, working with Ellen, the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and plant personnel, created a fifty pound molded fiber “link”. The task required special mold manufacturing techniques and molding machine modifications which, in IMFA’s world travels, has never been attempted.

The artist, Ellen, was delighted with the finished “links,” and had one shipped for decoration by children in Colorado honoring author Greg Mortenson.  This will be repeated for all fifty states with the “link” for Wisconsin” being decorated by children at the  July 2010 “Gathering on the Green”  event in Mequon, Wisconsin. This is an excellent example of a company donating its expertise and returning value to its community. Big kudos to Keiding Inc.

Wisconsin teens painting molded fiber "link"

MOLDED FIBER INDUSTRY NEWS
Updated July 27, 2010

SUSTAINABLE CARRY-OUT CONTAINERS:
Pactiv’s  new “Earth Choice” molded fiber food container

  • IMFA member, Pactiv Inc. opens the market for its US manufactured “Earth Choice”tm  molded fiber hinged food carry-out containers in production at their Moorehead, MN USA facility. The “Earth Choice” containers are similar to the popular Polystyrene plastic containers now in use, and represent a market break-thru as a sustainable renewable material alternative.

Pactiv VP - Food Service/ Food Packaging, Pete Lazaredes indicated initial customer response was such that this project will expanded and be followed with the offering of additional food packaging products, that are part of Pactiv’s initiatives for sustainable and compostable food packaging products.

  • Pakit Inc., operated by Mr. Brian Birmingham, is reported to be currently installing two of their new-style molding lines in Spain.
  • The Wall Street Journal reported that the current (July 2010) packaging industry is showing better economic activity than most other industrial sectors.

Have questions about molded fiber (pulp)? Contact IMFA

Imfa provides help in locating the most appropriate sources worldwide for renewable molded fiber products and other industry information.

There is no obligation or charge for this service. Imfa is a not-for-profit association, does not participate in any commercial/business activity and offers independant advice in manufacturing, markets, applications, types, and sourcing for molded fiber (pulp) products.

for questions and quick response contact: imfa@wi.rr.com