Molded fiber packaging is a biodegradable, compostable alternative to plastic packaging and the solution to the packaging industry’s high plastic pollution rates. Molded fiber is a more costly material than plastic but removes the need to use harmful and permanent plastic packaging — making it an environmentally responsible packaging choice. 

Consumers Want Sustainability

Consumers are increasingly seeking sustainability. According to a Nielsen sustainability survey, 73 percent of consumers say they would change their consumption habits to reduce their impact on the environment. And 49% of global respondents say they’re inclined to pay higher-than-average prices for products with high-quality safety standards. 

“Sustainability is a way to show consumers that you listen to them, care for their needs, and are thoughtful about how you produce their products,” Crystal Barnes, SVP of Global Responsibility & Sustainability, said. 

The packaging industry accounts for most of the world’s pollution, producing an estimated 146 million metric tons of plastic in 2015. The second-largest plastic-producing sector, building, and construction, measured at 65 million metric tons in 2015 — that’s less than half what the packaging industry produced. 

The Sustainable Packaging Solution

The solution is simple. Plastic packaging needs to be replaced by sustainably produced, environmentally friendly alternatives like molded fiber. 

Molded fiber is created by blending different fibers in water into a slurry, then collected and formed through custom molds. At Golden Arrow, we use a combination of bamboo and bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane, to create our molded fiber. 

To get a high-quality finished product, the custom molds require multiple vacuum holds to ensure consistent finish and thickness, a fine mesh to capture excess fibers, and a heat-press process to create a smooth cosmetic surface. 

The tooling and labor are more intensive than plastic alternatives, but the result is a superior-quality product promising stunning presentation with the premiere build quality. And unlike plastic options, molded fiber is biodegradable and compostable, making it a sustainable material unmatched in the packaging industry. 

The Possibilities of Molded Fiber

Molded fiber has traditionally been used in products like egg cartons and paper trays. New technology has transformed this material’s potential, making it a premier packaging alternative for technology products, beauty brands, and so much more. 

With new production processes and breakthrough equipment, molded fiber can be customized with the full spectrum of color, made into an array of shapes and packages, and finished with a luxurious sensory experience. 

This environmentally friendly material offers an unparalleled unboxing experience and recognizable shelf appeal. But it also represents a shift away from damaging plastic pollution to a sustainable, ecologically responsible future. 

By transitioning to molded fiber packaging solutions, you can vault your brand into a greener future and communicate your commitment to sustainability to your customers. Start your molded fiber journey today by contacting Golden Arrow.