At the Plastpol trade fair in Kielce, Kiefel is presenting a new double-dip wet molding process designed for the production of natural fiber packaging. The solution is intended to enable the creation of barriers protecting against grease and oils, made entirely from natural fibers, without the use of an additional plastic coating. According to the company, the technology supports the development of food-grade mono-material packaging intended to facilitate recycling. The process is being demonstrated on the KFT Lab machine at the KF Technologie stand in hall 4. The manufacturer states that the new method expands current possibilities for improving the durability of fiber packaging while maintaining its recyclability and biodegradability, whereas traditional approaches rely mainly on spray coating or chemical additives.
Thomas Kreiseder, Director Product Management, says: "Our new double-dip process takes fiber packaging to the next level by integrating functional barriers directly into the fiber structure. We offer an efficient and scalable solution for industrial-scale production."
As reported by Kiefel, the patented multi-stage production process with an integrated microfibrillated layer, MFC, makes it possible to produce packaging with high resistance to grease and oils. The company describes this as a solution based exclusively on renewable raw materials. A test station has also been prepared at the stand, where visitors can check the barrier performance. According to Kiefel, the barrier remains stable for many weeks and even months. Typical applications indicated include margarine tubs, takeaway packaging and other food packaging.
Synergy of fiber technologies
Kiefel is also presenting a concept of combining two fiber processing technologies, described as a complementary approach to packaging design. The aim is to synchronize technologies and processes in order to achieve a balance between material selection, functional requirements and cost-effectiveness for a specific application.
- Wet Fiber, the wet fiber technology, is intended for more complex, deep-drawn packaging with higher functional requirements.
- Dry Fiber, the dry fiber technology, is designed to provide high productivity in converting paper from reels and fibers into slim and dimensionally stable packaging.
According to the company, combining both technologies is intended to open up new opportunities for FMCG brands and processors, from individual high-performance components to complete solutions delivered from a single source.
Trade fair presentations and other solutions
Following its presentation at Interpack, the solution is also set to be shown at other international events, including Plastpol, Equiplast and Plast Milan. At Plastpol, Kiefel is also presenting solutions for polymer processing, including the SPEEDFORMER KMD 78.2 Premium and the SPEEDFORMER KTR series. The company also emphasizes the role of after-sales service in maintaining the long-term productivity and reliability of equipment.
Kiefel describes itself as a global system supplier combining machines, tools, automation and service in integrated solutions for packaging production.
