Molded fiber is one of the most beneficial sustainable packaging options for many industries, including foodservice. The food-grade packaging materials are frequently used by QSR’s, cafeterias, restaurant to-go orders, and for retail grocer packaging.
The increasing popularity of molded fiber is due not only to its eco-friendly properties, but also for its versatility, strength, and customization capabilities.
To understand more about the aspects of molded fiber, we’ve created an FAQ that will tell you everything you could ever want to know!
What is Molded Fiber?
Molded fiber is material made from other previously used, recycled materials. The most common materials used to make molded fiber are cardboard, newsprint, and other fibers like recycled wood pulp. Molded fiber also uses water in the manufacturing process to process the pulp, much of which is reused.
Molded fiber is packaging that is actually molded into specific shapes, making it highly versatile for many different applications.
What is Molded Fiber Used For?
Molded fiber is primarily used for packaging for shipping products or for carrying food and beverages from restaurants and quick service restaurants, or QSRs.
For the foodservice industry, molded fiber is a common foodservice packaging used as beverage trays, food trays, and food containers. You will also see molded fiber used in grocery stores as egg containers.
For manufacturers and shippers of products, molded fiber is used as packaging material that helps keep the shipped item safe, especially for delicate items like bottles or electronics.
What are the Benefits of Molded Fiber
Molded fiber has many benefits including:
- Less expensive than other forms of packaging
- Made from sustainable materials
- Eco-friendly manufacturing and disposal processes
- Can be re-recycled or disposed of safely through composting
- Reduces labor needs for shippers packaging up products for shipment
- Increase brand value by being associated with eco-friendly product packaging choices
- Can withstand microwave temperatures for food reheating
- Can withstand freezer temperatures for food storage
How is Molded Fiber Made?
Molded fiber packaging uses the excess pulp waste product from paper manufacturing along with recycled paper materials. The fibers are molded into a variety of different shapes depending on what the packaging will be used for.
The process for making molded fiber:
Step 1: The raw materials are soaked in water and then mixed together until the pulp obtains the desired consistency.
Step 2: The molded fiber is molded into the desired shapes using custom-designed mesh forms. The form is lowered into the pulp mixture and excess water is suctioned out. The section process compacts the fibers into their intended shape.
Step 3: The molded fiber packaging pieces are dried, using a high temperature, on racks inside large ovens.
Step 4: To achieve a more perfect appearance and improve usability, the pieces are then smoothed out by pressing into solid metal tools.
Step 5: Any excess parts are trimmed off and then added back to the original pulp mixture to be reused.
Are There Any Toxins in Molded Fiber?
There are no toxic or hazardous waste materials used in the manufacturing of molded fiber packaging. Molded fiber is actually food grade, meaning that it is fully safe to be used as packaging for human consumption products.
Is Molded Fiber Eco-friendly?
Yes! Molded fiber is an attractive option for foodservice providers and shippers who are seeking high quality packaging materials that meet the demands of their environmentally conscious customers.
Molded fiber is a 100% sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable packaging option.
What Makes Molded Fiber Sustainable?
Molded fiber is made from sustainable recycled materials. By producing molded fiber, the need to dispose of previously used papers and fibers is lessened. The repurposed materials are made into useful, eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The water and fiber materials used during manufacturing are able to be reused and recycled, generating almost zero waste.
Molded fiber achieves its high sustainability and eco-friendly rating throughout its lifecycle of materials used, its manufacturing process, and its ultimate disposal.
Is Molded Fiber Compostable?
As long as the conditions are right, molded fiber is a 100% compostable packaging type. Molded fiber is best composted in commercial facilities. The right conditions include light and water exposure so that the moded fiber materials can fully break down into their original carbon and water components. The composting process takes about 90 days.
What are the Different Types of Molded Fiber?
Molded fiber is manufactured as one of four different types.
Thick Wall Molded Fiber
Thick wall molded fiber uses a single mold to obtain a product with a wall thickness of 5mm to 10mm. Thick walled molded fiber tends is smoothe on one side and rough on the other, and is commonly used for the packaging of heavier, non-fragile consumer items such car parts, garden pots, and even furnishings.
Transfer Molded Fiber
Transfer molded fiber tends to be thinner than thick wall molded fiber, (between 3mm to 5mm,) and is smooth on both sides. Transfer molded fiber is used for delicate items such as egg cartons, electronics packaging, tableware, and produce and beverage trays.
Thermoformed Molded Fiber
Also known as thin wall molded fiber, thermoformed molded fiber is the thinnest at 2mm to 4mm in thickness, and the surfaces are smooth. Thermoformed molded fiber cures and dries within its mold rather than in an oven. The finished product is a denser material and most closely resembles plastic.
Processed Molded Fiber
Processed molded fiber are those products that go through existing processes after the initial manufacturing stage. Processed molded fiber can be colored, printed, die-cut, or perforated, and can contain special design features or embossments. The additional customization of processed molded fiber can add a nice touch to a brand.
Is Molded Fiber Expensive?
Molded fiber is not expensive and, instead, actually quite cost-effective for manufacturers and shippers. Since molded fiber is made from recycled, sustainable materials, the cost of the “raw materials” are lower than other packaging materials that are not sustainably sourced.
For shippers who package their items before shipment, molded fiber makes it easy to package delicate items without the need for wrapping or taping of items. This saves time and labor expense.
Find Out if Molded Fiber Packaging is Right for Your Business
Molded fiber has many benefits for the businesses that use them and for their customers including cost savings, custom-fit packaging that is easy to use, and the brand recognition that using sustainable packaging provides.
Servous offers multiple molded fiber packaging products for the foodservice industry. Let our specialists tell you about our different molded fiber and other eco-friendly packaging options. We’ll help you find the right solutions for your foodservice establishment.
Contact us today to speak with our sustainable packaging experts.
