Sustainable Packaging

Sustainability is a buzzword that is used today with more power then ever. Please take a moment and watch the attached video.

Sustainable Engineering

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Move over foam, pulp is taking over. There are many cities across the nation that have banned the use of foam products in order to reduce the problems that come along with them. Foam is not recyclable, it is harmful to wildlife and it does not biodegrade. Therefore, environmentally conscious people are looking for alternatives for packaging. To some, products that are wrapped with an environmental consciousness makes a purchasing difference to more and more people across our nation. Even Big Box stores want to rid of foam packaging and demand that the products they sell will be packaged with products that make sense. Take a moment to read an article based on the banning of Styrofoam.  https://storyofstuff.org/blog/styrofoam-bans-are-sweeping-across-the-nation/  

Packaging in Pulp

Companies across the land are compelled to switch from their current packaging, which could very well be foam, to a design and material that is sustainable. There are options for sustainability available such as corrugated, pulp and honey cell. Now the decision comes down to the appearance of the package. Corrugate packaging does the job but esthetically it is not desirable and it is time consuming to manipulate the insert into the package. Honey cell is sturdy, strong, but again, it is not very attractive. Then there is pulp. Surprisingly, pulp can be manufactured into beautiful packaging that has the ability to showcase your product in a lovely sustainable fashion. It’s the “vogue” of biodegradable packaging and with today’s technology, it can be utilized for a variety of industries.

 

Now What?

The choice is yours! Do you want to join this fast moving industry and create packaging to suit your needs while being sustainable, biodegradable and compostable? The choice is a phone call away. Thank you for Contacting MPE . Molded Pulp Engineering and the technology that they have allow them to stand out in the crowd. Sure, we can manufacture tableware, however, we have containers that can be frozen, are ovenable, microwavable and even ones that have a modified atmosphere barrier. Do you need a custom container for your product? Custom designs are MPE’s specialty Design Services . The time is now to join the ever-growing companies switching to sustainable solutions for their products.

Pulp packaging is taking on a whole new role as big box stores and companies with a social awareness are looking for alternatives to packaging large items. Packaging for electronics can be labor intensive, non-recyclable and a nuisance to the consumer. Not only that, but the cartons can be very large. The search goes on for an alternative to non-recyclable packaging and a company that has the design and technological capability to make it happen.

Why Pulp Packaging?

Pulp packaging is biodegradable, sustainable and in most cases, compostable. There are so many new technologies for pulp that it makes it a great alternative to most packaging. For instance, a razor that was placed in a plastic pack could change to a pulp style pack. The pulp would be molded to fit each part that needs to be included. If it is then to be placed in a box with either printing or a label, then the package just became even more environmentally friendly. In some cases, the product may need to be viewed through a clear plastic cover. If this is the case, there are plastic covers that can be recycled. At least the pulp packaging reduces the plastic to a much lesser amount as compared to the original full plastic container. This is exactly what many companies are looking for as they increase their social responsibility. Whether it’s a large electronic device or a small retail item, pulp can take the place of plastic without breaking the bank.

Is Pulp Strong Enough?

When we think about pulp, paper is the first thought that comes to mind. How could paper be strong enough to package a retail item that weighs 25 pounds? It’s all in the molding method and the grams of pulp that are needed to produce a strong part to hold the weight. A molded pulp mold is made out of aluminum, similar to a plastic mold. Due to the improved molding technology for pulp, it is evident that you can design a package for just about any type of item. https://www.moldedpulpengineering.com/design-services/

Pulp Advanced Technology

It is just a matter of time that molded pulp technology will continue advancing allowing pulp to take on many new roles. We are already seeing pulp being used in the oven and microwave, hold hot and cold liquid and withstand freezing temperatures without getting soggy. I have seen pulp packaging for electronic desks weighing over 50 pounds as well as smart phone packaging that is so smooth you would think it was plastic. Molded pulp is all over hospitals as an alternative to plastic  being used for single use kidney shaped bowls , wash basins and even glove dispensers. I have to say, I’m excited to see what will be next for molded pulp engineering. There is a great need for environmentally friendly packaging, it is now up to industries to make the switch. Please take a moment to view this National Geographic video.  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=video+about+plastic+garbage&view=detail&mid=5F6D175D4B675DE2D4635F6D175D4B675DE2D463&FORM=VIRE

 

Sustainable Engineered Pulp Packaging

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There are a variety of ways to package your product in pulp. When you think of molded pulp what do you think of? Perhaps you think of paper first, however, pulp can be manufactured into containers that can keep your products safe and be sustainable. First you would need to think about where the pulp is coming from. What is the pulp source? We are seeing more and more pulp products in the marketplace where it hasn’t been before. This not only is a positive environmental consciousness that has gained momentum but also a global commercial opportunity. Pulp products and packaging in pulp have gone from a single bowl at a local salad bar to becoming the source for high-end retail products. Big commercial businesses and Fortune 500 companies are steadily moving forward with their social responsibility models. It’s like a breathe of fresh air to know that products are being packaged in cellulose materials that are biodegradable, compostable and sustainable.

Pulp Fiber Sources

Pulp fibers can be derived from many different sources. It can come from corn, sugarcane, bamboo, wood, grass and other fiber crops. The cellulose fibers are separated from the source and processed into a slurry. Different pulp fibers have different tolerances and texture. Virgin fibers are stronger then recycled fibers and have a longer term for recyclability. Also, there are some crops such as bamboo that are stronger then some wood fibers and are a fast growing crop which makes it a sustainable solution for pulp.

Can Pulp be Coated?

Pulp containers are showing up in a multitude of industries. I’ve seen them at local farm markets holding fruit and vegetables in place, hotel breakfast stations, deli’s and in the retail marketplace. Pulp can be coated or laminated in order to either have color or to be able to hold up against oven temperatures, hot and cold liquid, sauces and even clinical formulas such as hydrogen peroxide or iodine.  This is a type 4 pulp product, FAQ , or a pulp product that has had something added to it such as a laminate. There are an array of laminates that can be used and MPE also has proprietary coatings to apply to pulp. A type 4 product can add value because of its added tolerance. I have even heard of flower seeds being added to pulp and then the product directions asks the consumer to bury the container in their garden to produce flowers later on. A very clever idea. Although pulp can be colored, just like make-up, sometimes its natural beauty is best.

[Read more…] about Packaging in Pulp – Keeping Your Products Safe

Does your packaging stand out on the retail shelf? Does it make an impact when the consumer opens up the box? Does your “to-go” container scream recyclable? Where’s the “Wow” factor that makes the initial first impression? Manufacturer’s are turning to the environment to make that great first impression by packaging with sustainable fibers. With the technology available today along with automated machines, pulp fibers can be turned into a variety of shapes, sizes and containers for just about any product.

Where Do the Pulp Fibers Come From?

Interesting question isn’t it. Fibers can be derived from many different plants such as, bamboo, sugarcane, tree fiber, eucalyptus, wheat, straw, corn and more to name just a few. Some are stronger then others and some have come from recycled fibers. Depending on the type of virgin fiber or a recycled fiber will determine the containers strength, color and tolerance.

Make Your First Impression

Making that first impression with sustainable packaging is the first step. I love to open up a box and find that the product is not wrapped in bubble wrap, but displayed in a smooth organic looking insert. That’s a wow. It means to me that I can recycle the entire box and that’s a step in the right direction. More and more millennials are taking a stand and they are not afraid to research what is best for them and pay more in order to get it if necessary. Surprisingly enough, pulp and plastic are almost cost neutral in today’s economy but it’s up to you to pick which one is your “wow” factor. I know which one is mine!

Despite the fact that Millennials are coming of age in one of the most difficult economic climates in the past 100 years, a recent Nielsen global online study found that they continue to be most willing to pay extra for sustainable offerings—almost three-out-of-four respondents in the latest findings, up from approximately half in 2014.
GREEN GENERATION: MILLENNIALS SAY SUSTAINABILITY IS A SHOPPING PRIORITY -> Read the full article

Where to Find Sustainable Packaging

Thank goodness for Google Search.  The best thing to do is google molded pulp packaging, find a company that appeals to you and give them a call. It’s at that time and that conversation that you can discover what they can do for you. Ask them what their minimum order quantity (MOQ) is.  What types of fiber do they use in their manufacturing. Don’t be afraid to ask about colored pulp.  I’ve seen red, blue, purple, black, you name it. You’ll need to know if they have design engineers on staff and how long is the companies lead time to get your packaging to your door. Look into the different types of molded pulp Custom Pulp Packaging & Products you may be astounded at what can be made for you. Last but not least, don’t be afraid to be creative!

 

Renewable Packaging & Product Innovation

Sustainable Engineered Packaging & Products

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