TekniPlex Consumer Products to open specialty molded fiber facility in Ohio

TekniPlex Consumer Products is set to open a 200,000-square-foot facility dedicated to the molded fiber solutions sector in the northwest Ohio town of Van Wert. Representing TekniPlex Consumer Products’ eighth specialty molded fiber manufacturing plant, the facility further expands capacity and capabilities in this fast-growing, sustainability-minded niche, whose product applications include the high-performance egg cartons for which the company has become known.

The Ohio plant signifies TekniPlex Consumer Products’ 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 (PCR) content, or composed of more recyclable resins like PET.

“We are thrilled to introduce market-defining technologies and solutions to our fresh foods industry customers,” said Eldon Schaffer, CEO of Consumer Products. “By supporting retailers, egg packers, and brand owners, we help drive differentiation across the entire supply chain – right through to end consumers – while safeguarding one of the most delicate products on earth: the egg.”

Recently, the company exponentially expanded its GeoPack product family, which addresses various combinations of materials science sustainability’s “4 Rs” – reduce, recycle, reuse, and renew – including biodegradable or compostable materials, post-consumer recycled content, recyclability, renewable substrates, and legislation compliance.

Among the novel technologies featured at the plant will be a proprietary fiber production process allowing for stronger, better-quality final products with enhanced protective properties – a differentiator particularly in the egg carton space, but also for several other food categories. In addition, the spacious, multiline facility leaves ample room to develop fiber solutions derived from next-generation materials, with possibilities ranging from cellulose, sugarcane and bamboo to mushroom residues and even hemp.