Molded Fiber
2025 Thermoformed Molded Fiber Symposium
26-27 August 2025 – Orono, Maine
Please join us for the UMaine Process Development Center multi-day event featuring the Thermoformed Molded Fiber Symposium August 27 and our 7th Annual Cellulose Nanomaterials Forum August 28. Registration is now open, visit our Events page for more information!
The Tray Newsletter
Keep up with technologies and trends in thermoformed molded fiber!
In December 2024, the Process Development Center successfully hosted the Thermoformed Molded Fiber Symposium, the first event dedicated specifically to technical advances and trends in thermoformed molded fiber. Building on the momentum of this event, we are excited to launch The Tray newsletter to foster a community dedicated to discussing technical advancements and industry topics related to thermoformed molded fiber.
The Tray Newsletter
Research at The Process Development Center
Our research is developing a PFAS-free barrier coating for thermoformed fibre tableware using cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and other biopolymers to achieve effective oil and grease resistance. The coating method involves a novel in-process pulse application of CNFs during fibre formation to streamline the manufacturing process. Critical pulse application parameters are evaluated using a desktop system and refined through computational techniques. Subsequently, these parameters will be validated on a pilot-scale Kiefel fibre-forming machine at the Process Development Center.
Researcher: Samuel Mubenesha, Ph.D. Candidate, Chemical Engineering
Do you have a technical advancement, new testing method or new chemistry that you would like to share with the thermoformed molded fiber community? Now’s your chance, fill out our story interest form below and be featured in the next issue of The Tray!