Process Development Center
The University of Maine Process Development Center (PDC), long recognized for its expertise in processing fiber for pulp and paper applications, with funding from the Northern Border Regional Commission, is now home to new equipment that will advance renewable packaging research significantly for Maine’s forest products industry.
Supporting Innovations with Forest Biomaterials
Kiefel, an international leader in thermoforming and joining technology that is part of the Siegsdorf, Germany-based Brueckner Group, has selected UMaine as a key research partner to expand and accelerate its expertise in fiber thermoforming. Thermoforming is a manufacturing process, traditionally employed with plastics, that uses heat and pressure to form sheets of material into three-dimensional objects using a mold. With Kiefel’s fiber thermoforming machines, packaging can be manufactured from natural fibers such as cellulose, straw or plants instead of plastic.
In response to current societal trends favoring renewable materials over fossil-fuel-derived packaging options, the molded pulp products (MPPs) packaging segment is experiencing significant growth. This trend is anticipated to continue for years to come. While there is increasing demand for non-plastic products in the traditional molded pulp industry, there remains a challenge in fully replacing plastic in high-performance product areas.
Over the past year, the PDC has hosted several companies, providing them access to the Natureformer for assessing both wood and non-wood feedstocks. Additionally, these companies have utilized the machine to investigate innovative oil and grease barrier formulas, offering sustainable alternatives to PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances).
In addition to supporting industry client trials using the Natureformer, the PDC has also facilitated several research projects. Dr. Mehdi Tajvidi successfully produced fiber based trays using a combination of wood flour and cellulose nanofiber, eliminating the need for additional adhesives. This research holds tremendous potential for advancing wood fiber applications. Furthermore, PDC Senior Scientist Seongkyung Park conducted a series of trials using the Natureformer to explore a variety of wood based feedstocks, ranging from recycled materials to bleached softwood.
The University of Maine
Office of Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Resources and Engagement
5717 Corbett Hall, Orono, Maine 04469
207.581.1479 | inspire@maine.edu
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