Molded pulp products for sustainable packaging: Production rate challenges and product opportunities

Molded cellulosic pulp products provide eco-friendly alternatives to various petroleum-based packaging systems. They have a long history of reliable usage for such applications as egg trays and the shipping fruits. recently become increasingly used electronics, wine bottles, specialty items. are especially in requiring cushioning ability, well when it is important match shapes packed Their main component, fibers from virgin or recycled wood fibers, nonwood can reduce society’s dependence on plastics, including expanded polystyrene. However, dewatering molded tends be slow, subsequent evaporation water energy-intensive. The article reviews strategies increase production rates lower energy consumption. In addition, by applying chemical treatments processing approaches, there opportunities achieve desired end-use properties, grease resistance. New manufacturing strategies, rapid prototyping advances tooling, more efficient form factors effective future.