deSter starts wet moulded fibre production at Thailand plant
In a bid to bring more sustainable products to the travel and foodservice markets, deSter has commenced production of wet moulded fibre products via three forming machines at its Prachinburi plant in Thailand.
The official start of production was performed during an opening ceremony in June 2023. This is one of the multimillion-dollar investments in the Prachinburi plant which the company announced last year.
Wet moulded fibre, also known as moulded pulp or moulded cellulose, is a form of packaging made from a mixture of bagasse (agricultural waste from sugarcane) and water. According to deSter, it is gaining traction as an environmentally friendly substitute for traditional materials such as plastic, foam, or polystyrene. Wet moulded fibre has numerous applications, from protective packaging for fragile items like electronics to food trays, egg cartons, beverage carriers, and tableware.
The manufacturing process involves several steps, each contributing to the final product’s strength, shape, and sustainability. As wet moulded fibre is made of agricultural waste from sugarcane (or recycled paper), it reduces the demand for virgin materials. It is recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable. Its flexibility enables it to be moulded into various shapes and sizes, making it suitable for a wide range of products and applications. It can also be customised to fit the requirements of different customers.
deSter is offering several wet moulded fibre products that it produces in Thailand for both travel and foodservice markets, such as Ridge bowls and lids, meat tray for its customer Ikon, and a salad bowl with a lid and a casserole made for Delta Airlines’ Economy Class.
