Sonoco-owned TEQ combines fiber pack recyclability with a plastic look

04 Mar 2020 --- TEQ, part of Sonoco, is promoting its thermoformed wet pulp for natural packaging material called Fibrepak in response to companies seeking more sustainable packaging solutions. Products made with Fibrepak via the company’s latest “cure-in-the-mould” technology differ from traditionally molded pulp packaging with their consistent fits, thin walls, defined hinges and premium finishes. The company expects to reap profits from business growth amid the current market demand for natural and sustainable packaging, backed by the resources and reach of Sonoco’s global footprint.

Primarily, the desire to get away from plastic is driving the natural fibers trend in the packaging space, Anne-Sophie Belamine, European Sales Director at TEQ, tells PackagingInsights. She affirms many companies are currently receiving comments from customers over plastic use.

“The advent of thermoformed fiber gave us a great opportunity to combine this latest technology with our vast experience of thermoforming to deliver bespoke, complex and high-quality packaging for a range of customers, including those in cosmetics, fruit and vegetables, homecare and electronics,” she continues.

After being formed, the “cure-in-the-mould” technology uses heat and pressure to press, densify and evaporate fluid from the fibers, which leaves a completely dry product at the end of the process that is ready for packing. The products are ejected from the heated molds in their finished state as opposed to being dried in a heated oven. Typical uses for this type are for point-of-purchase packaging and those applications where high definition and appearance are of crucial importance.

Unlike rigid cellular plastic foam packaging, there are also plenty of logistics savings to be gained using Fibrepak given its ability to enable product stacking and “nesting.” Additionally, Fibrepak material can be accurately formed and has the appearance of plastic material.

Fibrepak uses European sourced FSC Chain of Custody certified fibers, which makes for biodegradable and paper-recyclable products.

Moreover, Fibrepak is a dust-free material, which prevents particle contamination. It is a non-toxic, microwavable, static-free and shock absorbent material, which can also be treated to be moisture resistant for sustained periods.

Market expansion
Sonoco acquired Plastique with Thermoform Engineered Quality, together TEQ, in January, in a bid to expand its reach to the healthcare markets. Fibrepak began its trialing process in 2014 and TEQ has since built up to multiple production lines, most notably with the expansion of its factory in Poznan, Poland, to 7,000 m2.

TEQ’s dedicated fiber production hall has allowed the company to create the area for a new dedicated stock preparation area that will run additional multiple production lines. “The infrastructure is in place to add a new stock preparation area and six additional machines,” Belamine highlights.

Besides the healthcare sector, TEQ aims to broaden its capacities to confectionery and beverages, as well as homecare, electrical devices, medical and postal packs.

By Anni Schleicher

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