Molded fiber, also known as moulded pulp or molded pulp, is a collective term descriptive of the process for producing, strong and environmentally friendly protective material. Typically made from recycled paperboard and/or newsprint it is widely used for packaging solutions. Our industry has seen a growing use of waste non-wood products such as wheat and bagasse for pulp production.
Introduction to Molded Fiber
In early 2024 we hosted a webinar on the basics of molded fiber. This event was open to both IMFA members and nonmembers, highlighting our commitment to the industry at-large. You can watch the full recording here, and please look out for announcements on upcoming educational opportunities.
Read on for more information on molded fiber!
Common Applications
Inherently flexible molded fiber offers substantial benefits to manufacturers of Food related, Horticultural, Industrial and Medical products:
- Clam shell and carryout food containers
- Cups, bowls, plates and serving trays
- Planter pots and seedling trays
- Egg, fruit, berry and mushroom containers and trays
- Vehicle Parts; gears, panels, headlights, wheels, etc.
- Household items; toasters, coffee makers, furniture, etc.
- Electronics, cell phones, TV, modems, DVD, etc.
- Single use medical bowls, kidney dishes, bedpans, etc.
Environmentally Friendly
Molded fiber is a renewable and recyclable resource that sustains the environment and is capable of providing the following benefits:
- Recycled pulp fiber
- Recycled material
- Biodegradable
- Compostable
- Safe for Incineration
A Nearly Universal Solution
Molded fiber’s innovative makeup delivers extensive packaging solutions including:
- Transportation cost efficiencies (up to 10x more than polystyrene) from superior nesting capabilities
- Completely usable with no assembly in comparison to cut and fold paper board products
- Exempt to packaging penalties as with polystyrene in many countries.
- Zero or negligible disposable costs, unlike it’s alternative non compostable products.
4 Basic Types of MFP
Molded fiber products, manufactured with wastepaper or other natural fibers (which are essentially cellulose) and are recyclable along with other wastepaper are biodegradable, and compostable where facilities are available. They can also be incinerated without damaging incinerators.
Both fiber & water are recycled and reused in manufacturing, resulting in almost zero waste. There are no toxic or hazardous waste materials expelled into the environment. The Four Basic Types of Molded Fiber Products: