Wayne, Pennsylvania-based TekniPlex Consumer Products has announced plans for a new manufacturing facility in Ohio.
Planned to commence operations in early 2024, the 200,000-square-foot specialty molded fiber solutions facility will further expand the company’s capacity and capabilities in this sustainability-minded niche with products, such as high-performance egg cartons. This new technology allows for stronger, better-quality cartons to enhance egg protection.
For TekniPlex, the facility – its eighth in the specialty molded fiber sector – is the latest news amid a decisive molded fiber market push, one now comprising about $350 million in investments. In the span of 14 months, TekniPlex acquired several specialty molded fiber solutions companies: Keyes Packaging Group of Wenatchee, Washington; Fibro Corporation of Tacoma, Washington; and most recently, EMATEC, which has five fiber manufacturing plants across Mexico.
“The new facility will combine TekniPlex’s fiber capabilities with technology platforms obtained through our recent strategic acquisitions,” said Eldon Schaffer, CEO.
“Molded fiber is a renewable bio-based material derived from 100 percent natural, typically recycled paper and cardboard fibers, making it highly attractive to brands seeking to expand their bio-based packaging offerings. TekniPlex Consumer Products’ growth in this area exemplifies our materials diverse mindset, including capabilities to provide fresh foods companies with a broad range of packing and packaging solutions to help stand out in supermarket perimeters.”
Jay Arnold, VP and general manager, fiber business, said, “We are excited to continue to bring new technology with our specialty molded fiber solutions expansion including our high-performance egg carton, which provides superior egg protection to our customers, reducing food waste and cost.”
The forthcoming Ohio plant signifies TekniPlex’s intentions to continue expanding its portfolio not only in specialty molded fiber but also sustainability-minded materials, especially those comprising significant amounts of post-consumer recycled content or composed of more recyclable resins like PET.
Recently, the company expanded its GeoPack product family, which addresses various combinations of materials science sustainability’s “Four Rs” – reduce, recycle, reuse and renew – including biodegradable or compostable materials, post-consumer recycled content, recyclability, renewable substrates and legislation compliance.
For more information, visit tekni-plex.com/consumer.
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