PulPac licensee Hébert Group, together with MCC Verstraete, Pagès Group and PulPac, is in a process of commercializing molded fiber labeling for dry molded fiber products – taking a lead in sustainable fiber-based packaging with high-quality decoration.
As announced earlier, Hébert Group is setting up production with PulPac Modula to supply the company’s clients – key FMCG brands, with dry molded fiber products. Hébert Group was an early adaptor of IML, now a widely used technology for high-quality graphic labels on plastic packaging. Together with PulPac, MCC Verstraete and Pagès Group, Hébert Group is now developing MFL for dry molded fiber products and the parties aim to bring the pioneering concept to market.
MFL provides maximum print quality and precise printing, easy-to-modify graphics, and single-material packaging. All very competitive advantages, as packaging is expected to play an increasingly important role in branding and promotion, demanding highly customized or personalized campaigns. The glue-free MFL labels used for dry molded fiber applications are fiber-based, fully recyclable ensuring that the final MFL packaging is fully compatible with the paper recycling stream and biodegradable. The label is fused with the product in-line as it is molded.
Julien Hébert, technical and sales director, Hébert Group, said, “We strongly believe in dry molded fiber as the future solution for fiber-based packaging. Having worked with IML for more than 35 years we have continuously perfected the technology. Combining it with dry molded fiber was a given. The results we’ve achieved together in the lab are very promising and our respective teams are looking forward to bringing this game-changer to the market.”
Nico Van de Walle, product & circular economy manager at MCC Verstraete, said, “We have a stated and long-lasting commitment to be at the forefront of sustainable development. Adapting our know-how in IML products and services to Dry Molded Fiber allows us to offer a high quality and sustainable decoration method for dry fiber molded parts, conform our sustainability strategy stating that the final packaging should be recyclable, reusable, or compostable.”
Romain Hervé, business development director at Pagès Group, said, “As a leader in automation solutions driven by innovation, we are proud to contribute with our long experience of IML for the plastics industry and engineer it into this transformative solution for Dry Molded Fiber packaging.”
Sanna Fager, chief commercial officer, PulPac, said “Packaging has never been more important to a brand. Sustainability is a must, and by adding in-mold labeling to Dry Molded Fiber we leverage possibilities for brand-owners to connect with customers, and communicate brand and values – making Dry Molded Fiber products even more competitive.”
