Chemistry for moulded fibre - shaping the future of packaging

Moulded fibre packaging is revolutionizing the packaging industry, offering renewable and recyclable alternatives to single-use plastics and expanded polystyrene. As brands across sectors—from food service to e-commerce—embrace this shift, the often-overlooked enabler of this transformation is chemistry. Beyond just replacing plastic, chemistry ensures moulded fibre packaging meets critical demands for durability, safety, and cost-efficiency while maintaining environmental integrity. This is where companies like Kemira play a pivotal role, leveraging decades of expertise in cellulose-based processes to optimize production and ensure regulatory compliance, particularly for food-contact materials. A key challenge lies in replacing PFAS, the "forever chemicals" traditionally used for barrier properties like oil and moisture resistance. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and health concerns, the industry must pivot to safer, renewable alternatives without sacrificing performance. Kemira's focus on PFAS-free solutions highlights a broader trend: the convergence of sustainability and innovation. This shift is not just about compliance but about rethinking the entire value chain to align with consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Here’s the unique insight: the moulded fibre revolution is not just a packaging trend—it’s a systems-level transformation requiring cross-disciplinary collaboration. Chemistry, sustainability, and regulatory expertise must work in tandem to create solutions that are not only functional but also scalable and circular. For industry leaders, this underscores the importance of investing in R&D partnerships and fostering innovation ecosystems. The future of packaging lies in balancing performance with planet-first priorities, and those who master this balance will define the next era of sustainable business.https://packagingeurope.com/chemistry-for-moulded-fibre-shaping-the-future-of-packaging/11319.article