Development of Pulp Moulded Packaging Samples from Empty Fruit Bunch Fibre

Abstract

Single-use plastic packaging is a cause of rising environmental concerns due to high production volumes, short usage time, and problems related to end of life management and release into the environment. As a result, there is an increased demand to develop alternative non-plastic packaging from agricultural waste materials. This paper reported findings for converting, via atmospheric refining, waste oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibres into a fibrous pulp which can then be used to produce three-dimensional pulp moulded products. By optimising the mould design, the efficiency of vacuum suction was improved, which in turn helped to improve fibre distribution and the quality of moulded trays; such moulded trays are suitable for the containment of food items such as fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, when combined with compostable barrier treatments, lidding and adhesive films currently under development, there is an opportunity to provide a complete biocompostable packaging solution for some food items. Furthermore, as these pulp moulded packaging products are made from agricultural fibre wastes rather than plastics, the pulp moulded trays are recyclable or compostable at the end of life. Therefore, if a release does occur into the environment, it would not persist.

The Use of Organic Residues to Develop Packaging: Tests in Molded Pulp

“…In pulp manufacturing, virgin (primary) fibers derived from woody or non-woody plants may be used, likewise recycled (secondary) fibers, derived from residues from paper and cardboard (Debnath et al, 2022). Natural fibers may be stemming from several resources, like wood (chemical and mechanical processes of pulping), recycled fibers, and agricultural biomass residues, for instance, wheat straw (Zhang et al, 2022), sugarcane bagasse, bamboo (Liu et al, 2021), banana stem, pineapple leaves (Rattanawongkun et al, 2020), sisal, abaca, dendê palm, and coconut (Westman et al, 2010). In general, relatively long fibers provide resistance, tenacity, and structure, while shorter fibers generally may provide high volume (low density), quite enclosed texture, and surface smoothness.…”