AR Packaging and PulPac fast-track Dry Molded Fiber solutions with new production platform
29 Jun 2021 --- AR Packaging and PulPac are expanding their partnership and bridging volume capacity to fast-track cost-effective, plastic-replacement fiber products to market using the new PulPac PU300 production platform.
The PulPac PU300 was unveiled last week. The platform is engineered as a modular industrial high-volume production line.
The first demonstration line is located in PulPac’s Tech Center in Gothenburg, Sweden, where industrial manufacturing of cellulose fiber spoons has begun.
AR Packaging is investing in priority access to this platform to spearhead sample production and bridge capacity for market-ready applications.
The expanded partnership will combine AR Packaging’s vast reach, converting expertise and resources with the Dry Molded Fiber process to further accelerate the commercialization of sustainable fiber products to the market globally.
Dry Molded Fiber
PulPac’s Dry Molded Fiber is a patented manufacturing technology for the circular economy, using renewable pulp and cellulose resources to produce low-cost, high-performance, fiber-based packaging and single-use products.
Dry Molded Fiber boasts 80-90 percent lower CO2 footprint at the same or lower cost as plastic and is up to ten times as efficient as conventional fiber molding invented over 100 years ago, the company says. It also eliminates the need for valuable water resources in the defibration process.
Dry Molded Fiber can lower CO2 emissions by 90% compared to plastic at a similar unit cost, PulPac says.
With its vast packaging competence and market access, AR Packaging plans to fast-track Dry Molded Fiber opportunities with leading brands in the packaging and foodservice industries.
“We are proud to call ourselves an early adopter in Dry Molded Fiber and member of the PulPac Technology Pool given its unique blend of sustainability, global scalability and cost-efficiency,” says Ralf Mack, group innovation director at AR Packaging.
“Consumers and the industry alike are seeking a shift to fiber wherever possible. Therefore, we are investing substantially in efforts where our deep experience in Dry Molded Fiber and access to this breakthrough technology can offer brands a much faster path to market.”
Extended partnerships
PulPac has extended partnerships, developing solutions for scaling production lines and the supply chain. AR Packaging is following suit in supporting these improvements throughout its channels.
The first demonstration line is located in PulPac’s Tech Center in Sweden, where industrial manufacturing of fiber spoons has begun.“We see that AR Packaging’s leadership in innovation will empower the Dry Molded Fiber community and the entire market, building on the success of the technology pool and global introduction of a truly breakthrough technology that can significantly support sustainability and commercial goals across packaging and QSR-products,“ comments Linus Larsson, PulPac’s founder and CEO.
PulPac has secured several partnerships, including with gategroup company deSter for developing and manufacturing fiber-based, single-use food packaging for the airline and foodservice industries.
Meanwhile, the company has recruited PA Consulting and Seismic Solutions to develop a wide range of technical and commercial applications and scale up the manufacturing process.
Edited by Joshua Poole
