The Waste & Resources Action Programme has funded a study looking at the use of recovered fiber in molded pulp applications in the United Kingdom.
The study will be undertaken by UK-based PendlePace Ltd who bring strong international experience with moulded pulp markets to the project.
The study will include a comprehensive UK market review and identify areas of future market potential for recovered paper fiber in molded pulp applications, including a range of packaging products.
Jacks Guinness, Materials Project Officer said: “Molded pulp packaging is thought to be a large potential market for recovered fiber and is an area where the UK’s use currently lags behind most other countries.
“The aim of this study is to give us a better understanding of the current and potential markets for all molded pulp applications with a view to influencing increased use of recovered fibre in this sector.”
The study will have three phases:
The first phase will identify the current market in UK for molded pulp products including; tonnage manufactured, tonnage of recovered paper used, tonnage of virgin fiber used, application type, market value for products and an identification of UK import and export routes and associated values.
The second phase will map future growth in market potential including; sectors where market potential exists and the fiber types required, experiences from abroad and areas where pulp products can substitute less environmentally friendly materials.
The third and final phase will consider Best Available Technique/Technology including the type and cost of equipment available for the manufacture of different products and recommendations on the most efficient machinery and production methods.