International technology group ANDRITZ has inaugurated a new technical center in Montbonnot, France, dedicated to advancing solutions for dry molded fiber production. Dry molded fiber (DMF) production uses a nearly waterless process to convert cellulose fibers into three-dimensional products for sustainable packaging. Based on its strategic partnership with the Swedish DMF pioneer PulPac, ANDRITZ is now able to offer complete dry molded fiber lines.
The new technical center with its pilot line will support ANDRITZ’s development of industrial-scale solutions for high-speed, turnkey dry molded fiber production plants for the packaging industry. It will also enable customers to conduct trials, receive support on R&D projects, and create new products with customized shapes and barrier properties.
Andreas Lukas, Senior Vice President of ANDRITZ Nonwoven & Textile said that wood pulp processing has been a core competence of ANDRITZ for a long time and stated: “Our new pilot line is an important step in advancing our solutions for responsible convenience packaging from wood pulp. By combining ANDRITZ Dan-Web’s airlaid forming capabilities with PulPac’s molding technology, we are striving for the highest capacity, product quality and flexibility in this field.”
The recyclable and biodegradable products are prominent instead of single-use plastic ones
Dry Molded Fiber is a nearly waterless process for molding cellulose fibers into three-dimensional products for packaging. These include coffee lids, cutlery, trays and other food-grade items, as well as a wide range of products for non-food applications. Made from wood pulp, these recyclable and biodegradable products are becoming increasingly important in replacing single-use plastic items.