Pulp molding technology as a new packaging technology has developed rapidly in many fields. It plays a leading role in the future development of the packaging industry of which a couple of creative forms have happened. Circular economy as the wind vane of green production has been the widespread concern and the current popular language. Circular economy not only realizes the significance of resource recycling, but also has commercial significance. Such a win-win development can tactfully integrate the common advantages of both pulp molding and circular economy more than just making the packaging industry flourish.
In this post, we take an in-depth look at molded pulp, and the reason(s) why it is an excellent choice for protective material packaging.
What is Molded Pulp Packaging?
Molded pulp packaging is a type of packaging material made from recycled papers like newsprints, cardboards and other natural fibers like sugar cane, wheat sticks, or bamboo. The use of molded pulp for protective packaging comes in handy in food service trays and beverage carriers. Other use cases are in hardware packing and machines. Molded pulp products can also be recycled after use. Therefore, molded fiber can reduce environmental pollution and waste of raw materials, so as to save trees.
Molded pulp can be classified into the following four types according to manufacturing process, and types of raw materials.
- Thick-Walled Pulp
Thick-walled pulp is the thickest molded pulp used for manufacturing packaging products for shipping and transportation. It is primarily composed of scrap and kraft paper and cardboard. The thick and rustic profile makes it the ideal application for making edge protectors for heavy equipment.
- Transfer Molded Pulp
Transfer molded pulp is slightly thinner compared to the thick-walled variety. As the pulp is transferred from one mold to another during the manufacturing process, it is called transfer molded pulp. The most common applications include egg trays, fruit and vegetable trays, slipper pans, wine shippers, and end caps.
- Thermoformed Fiber Pulp
The manufacturing process for thermoformed fiber involves the use of heated molds. They are used to make the material denser and create precisely shaped products. Due to their super finished look, they are often used for refined molded tableware such as dinner trays, plates, cups, and soup bowls.
- Processed Pulp
As the name suggests, processed pulp undergoes secondary processing such as coating, printing, hot pressing, trimming, and an addition of special slurry additives. As the finished products possess similar properties to expanded polystyrene, processed pulp makes an excellent cushioning material.
How is Molded Pulp Packaging manufactured?
The manufacturing process of all kinds of molded pulp is almost the same. It can be roughly divided into five processes: pulping process, molding process, drying or hot pressing process and packaging. It is necessary to cut and sterilize the molded pulp packaging of food or high-precision electronic instruments before packing.
At present, pulping process without chemicals is widely used in pulp mills adopt non, resulting in little or no pollution. Since that plants are environmentally friendly in nature and the residues and wastes are recycled in the pulping process, the pulp molding process is a completely green and closed economic production chain.
Why Molded Pulp Products Are More Protective Than Other Packaging Materials
Molded pulp packaging offers a wide range of benefits compared to traditional packaging materials. It exhibits good strength, which comes from the compactness of the material used in its manufacture. This allows it to hold other products and protect them from damages or distortion. These features make it suitable for packaging electronics, consumer goods, as well as other products.
Other valuable attributes that result in the use of molded pulp for protective packaging include
- Paper molded pulp provides excellent cushioning, bracing, and blocking protection of products.
- Molded pulp is also temperature resistant to an extent. Hence, it is unaffected by extreme temperatures.
- Because of its thickness and absorbing nature from the raw materials, it is water-resistant. So packaged products are safe from been destroyed by water
- Molded pulp is a nonconductor of electricity, making it perfect for storing electrically sensitive products.
- Molded pulp unlike other packaging materials can be molded into any shape and size depending on the product. This makes it useful for a large variety of products.
- It is a low-cost option for packing material. One would assume that due to its high ratings and benefits, paper molded pulp for protective packaging would be expensive packaging material, but it is one of the cheapest.
The demand for green packaging is increasing as people are more and more aware of the environmental impact from the products they buy. Molded fiber products are not only environmentally friendly, but also an affordable substitute for foam and plastic products. Every manufacturer or packaging company needs to be at the forefront of its affairs, which is why we recommend the use of the auto pulp molding machine from HGHY for all your packaging needs.
HGHY is a pulp molding machine manufacturer based in Guangzhou, China, that has spent the last 20 years advancing the course of molding technology through cutting-edge research. Their excellent aftersale services and the fact that they have a presence in over 40 countries globally means that you are assured of excellent service delivery at every step of your purchase journey.
Visit their website today for more information on their products and services.