Dry moulded paper packaging, produced from multiple layers of paper pressed and bonded together with heat. While the raw materials are more expensive than moulded pulp, the production rate is much faster and energy costs are lower. The raw material prices are decreasing as the paper is becoming available from more mills. The challenge is finding paper webs (rolls) with crosswise grain, to ensure high strength and stable packaging when laminated together with the conventional lengthwise grain stock. These examples were produced on an OMG Thermoforming machine.

Simplifyber concept shoe made with their moulded fabric technology. The upper is produced from liquid cellulose-based pulp, which is moulded with heat and pressure into the final shape. The soles of the concept shoe were 3D printed from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), through a collaboration with HP. Image Simplifyber.

A certified compostable and biodegradable ready-to-eat meal tray by Confoil, an Australian food packaging manufacturer, made with moulded paperboard laminated with a thin film of BASF Ecovio partially bio-based polylactic acid (PLA). The barrier properties of the film are sufficient to be able to use recycled paper in the tray. Image BASF.

Tridas moulded paperboard packaging, hot-pressed with a laminated colour top layer. Image Tridas.

Moulded pulp shoe inserts, produced by thermoforming, which yields a thin wall section and high quality surfaces front and back. In this case, recycled fibre is used.

Electronics packaging made with coloured pulp, transfer moulded to improve surface finish and create a lighter wall section.

Coloured consumer electronics packaging made with thermoformed pulp, produced by Tridas. Image Tridas.

Electronics packaging made with coloured pulp, thermoformed to create a precise and lightweight insert with a high quality surface finish.

Moulded paper pulp packaging with added agricultural waste (rice straw) produced using the transfer method. The backside carries the texture of the wire mesh and the inside is smooth.