Molded Fiber

Molded Fiber Packaging Applications

Renewable Molded Fiber Packaging (MFP) products are currently used in handling and packaging thousands of manufactured products. They provide product protection in shipments, customer convenience, and other economic packaging and environmental benefits.

There is four distinct markets for molded fiber packaging.

  • Food related – Included are:
    • Clam-shell  and carryout food containers
    • Cups, Bowls, plates, food and serving trays
    • Egg, trays and cartons.
    • Fruit, veg,berry, mushroom etc. punnets & trays
    • Including those that require top sealing, refridgeration, lamination
    • Locator trays for Bottled products, wine, Jellies etc.
    • Extended liquid retention etc.Molded Fiber products are capable of meeting every International food safety regulation and be supplied with specific food safe certification.
  • Industrial or engineered packaging – Included are:
    • Electronics, cell phones, TV, modems, DVD etc.
    • Household items, toasters, coffee makers, furniture etc.
    • Vehicle parts, gears, panels, headlights, wheels etc.
    • Industrial products, electrical , plumbing, tools etc.
    • Product drop testing is an integral part of the design criteria.
  • Single Use Medical
    • Bedpans
    • Urine Bottles
    • Kidney Dishes
    • Bowls etc
  • Horticultural Trays & Pots

 

Other applications also include pallets, film roll cradles, nursery containers and  other material and positioning products for conventional or automated loading or handling. Certified IMFA members provide molded fiber packaging design services and prototypes with cost estimates based on customer requirements.
4 Basic Types of MFP

Molded fiber products, manufactured with waste paper or other natural fibers (which are essentially cellulose) and are recyclable along with other waste paper 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:

  • Type-1 Thick-Wall
  • Type-2 Transfer
  • Type-3 Thermoformed (Thin-wall)
  • Type-4 Processed

Type-1 Molded Fiber Products – Thick Wall

Manufactured using a single mold with product wall thickness from about 3/16 to 3/8 inches (5mm to 10mm). One surface is relatively smooth, with one side rough. Primarily used for support packaging of non-fragile, heavier items. (vehicle parts; furniture, motors etc.). As well as, plant, floral and nursery pots and containers. Oven dried.

Type-2 Molded Fiber Products – Transfer Molded

Manufactured using one forming mold and one transfer mold with product wall thickness from about 1/8 to 3/16 inches (3mm to 5mm). Surfaces are relatively smooth on one side. Most common use is for egg cartons and trays. New designs are used for many types of electronic product packaging such as cell phones, DVD players etc. Also, used for hospital disposables, electrical appliances, office equipment, tableware and fruit and drink trays. Oven dried.

Type-3 Molded Fiber Products – Thermoformed (Sometimes called “thin-wall”)

Manufactured using multiple heated molds with product wall thickness of about 3/32 to 5/32 inches (2mm to 4mm). Surfaces are smooth and forms are well detailed with minimal draft angles. Products are dried in the mold and no oven curing is needed. Due to the hot mold pressing process, the walls are somewhat more dense. Type-3 thermoformed fiber, products closely resemble Thermoformed plastic material.

Type-4 Molded Fiber Products – Processed

This type is refers to molded fiber products that require some type of secondary or special treatment other than simply being molded and cured.

Examples of Type-4 are:

  • Hot or after pressed – Die-cut or perforated – Printed – Colored – Special mold
  • Special slurry formulations – Embossments – Special design features – Special additives