Smart Molding International 4-2022

16 smart_molding international 4/2022 newsfeed PulPac licensee Hébert Group togeth - er with MCC Verstraete, Pagès Group and PulPac is in a process of com- mercializing Molded Fiber Labeling™ for dry molded fiber products – taking a lead in sustainable fiber-based pack- aging with high-quality decoration. Hébert Group is setting up produc - tion with PulPac Modula to supply the company’s clients - key FMCG brands, with Dry Molded Fiber prod- ucts. 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 ad- vantages, as packaging is expected to play an increasingly important role in branding and promotion, demand- ing highly customized or personalized campaigns. The glue-free MFL™ la- bels used for Dry Molded Fiber ap- plications are fiber-based, fully recy- clable ensuring that the final MFL™ packaging is fully compatible with the paper recycling stream and bio- degradable. 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 per- fected the technology. Combining it with Dry Molded Fiber was a given. The results we’ve achieved together in the lab are very promising and I am looking forward to bringing this game-changer to the market.” "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 sustain - able decoration method for dry fiber molded parts, in line with our sus- tainability strategy stating that the final packaging should be recyclable, reusable or compostable. "Nico Van de Walle, Product & Circular Econo- my Manager at MCC Verstraete Romain Hervé, Business Develop- ment Director at Pagès Group com- ments “As a leader in automation solutions driven by innovation, we are proud to contribute with our extensive 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 possibili- ties for brand-owners to connect with customers, communicate brand and values – making Dry Molded Fiber products even more competitive.” About MCC Verstraete MCC Verstraete, a MCC label com - pany, has over 30 years of experience in offset-printing IML labels. In-depth understanding of materials, innova- tion and sustainability has made MCC Verstraete a world leader, producing over 60 million labels every single day for numerous segments within the packaging industry. MCC Verstraete www.verstraete.mcclabel.com Collaboration on Molded Fiber Labeling™ for Dry Molded Fiber Dry Molded Fiber, invented and patented by PulPac, is a manu- facturing technology designed for the circular economy. It leverages globally available, affordable, and renewable cellulose fibers to pro- duce high performance fiber-based packaging and single-use products with highly competitive unit eco- nomics. Dry Molded Fiber also saves significant amounts of valu- able water resources and energy, resulting in up to 80% lower CO 2 footprint compared to alternatives. The process is up to ten times as ef- ficient as conventional fiber mold- ing invented over 100 years ago. Picture source: MCC Verstraete