Types of Molded Pulp

Based on the manufacturing process, the types of raw materials used, and the application, molded pulp is classified into the following four types.

• Thick-Walled Pulp : Thick-walled pulp is the thickest molded pulp used for manufacturing packaging products for shipping and transportation. It is primarily composed of scrap and kraft paper and cardboard. The products usually have an unfinished surface on one side, with a moderately finished one on the other. The thick and rustic profile makes it the ideal application for making edge protectors for heavy equipment.
• Transfer Molded Pulp : Transfer molded pulp is slightly thinner compared to the thick-walled variety. As the pulp is transferred from one mold to another during the manufacturing process, it is called transfer molded pulp. As a result, both sides are finished properly, which renders them a polished look and texture. It is perhaps the most popular type of molded pulp out there. The most common applications include egg trays, fruit and vegetable trays, slipper pans, wine shippers, and end caps.
• Thermoformed Fiber Pulp : The manufacturing process for thermoformed fiber involves the use of heated molds. They are used to make the material denser and create precisely shaped products. Due to their super finished look, they are often used for refined molded tableware such as dinner trays, plates, cups, and soup bowls.
• Processed Pulp : As the name suggests, processed pulp undergoes secondary processing such as coating, printing, hot pressing, trimming, and an addition of special slurry additives. As the finished products possess similar properties to expanded polystyrene, processed pulp makes an excellent cushioning material.