SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The International Molded Fiber Association (IMFA) recently launched Molded Fiber Masterclass, a new, free webinar series, with the first four installments focusing on the main types of molded fiber. The series is designed to educate both newer members within the molded fiber field and seasoned professionals on the most up-to-date advancements in molded fiber production.

This four-part series, featuring Ashley Boger, a member of IMFA’s executive team, covers the distinct types of molded fiber products and features in-house videos created by industry experts. The first installment covers?Type 1?molded fiber product design and manufacturing. Type 1, or thick wall molded fiber, is frequently used as protective packaging for heavy items and various types of plant containers.?

The next session explores Type 2, or transfer molded fiber products, used for traditional egg cartons, electronic product packaging, and hospital disposables. Type 3 molded fiber products are thermoformed/thin walls and closely resemble thermoformed plastic material. The final installment features Type 4, processed molded fiber products, resulting from value-added enhancements to types 1-3 production processes.

In the video series, Boger discusses additional benefits of molded fiber, including transportation cost efficiencies from superior nesting capabilities, no assembly, and zero or negligible disposable costs. Manufactured with wastepaper or other natural fibers, molded fiber products are recyclable along with other wastepaper and are biodegradable and compostable where facilities are available. Both fiber and water are recycled and reused in manufacturing, resulting in almost zero waste.

“Molded fiber is a nearly universal solution,” says Gary Visser, IMFA Chairman. “Not only is it a renewable and recyclable resource that sustains the environment, but it’s also inherently flexible, providing substantial benefits to manufacturers of food-related, horticultural, industrial, and medical products. I’m thrilled that our team has developed this series to educate those new to molded fiber and those seasoned in the field who are interested in learning the latest advancements in our industry.”

All four videos from the first Molded Fiber Masterclass series are now available free and on-demand on IMFA’s website (www.imfa.org/molded-fiber-101). In addition to the videos, a comprehensive FAQ section answers key questions regarding molded fiber tooling, molding, drying, fiber, chemical additives, and more.

Up next, IMFA will host its 26th Annual Conference from Sept. 11-13, 2024, in Carlsbad, CA. The conference is open to all molded fiber manufacturers, suppliers, and industry professionals, and registration is open on IMFA’s website here: www.imfa.org/26th-annual-conference/