Ahead of the event, we spoke with Takehiro Ishihara, Managing Director at Nippon Molding, about the latest developments in moulded fibre packaging and his upcoming presentation, “Life Cycle Assessment of Molded Pulp and Plastic Packaging Trays.”
Q1. Moulded fibre packaging is evolving rapidly across materials, technologies, applications and regulations. What do you see as the most important development shaping the industry today?
Regulation. In Asia, tightening rules have driven the shift from plastic to paper, and I expect that to continue. The clearest signal comes from Europe: the PPWR introduces A/B/C recyclability grades and detailed Design-for-Recycling criteria, so saying "our packaging is recyclable" is no longer enough — you need evidence. Asian producers feel this through exports, through global brand owners applying one standard, and increasingly through regional rules built on the same logic.
Q2. What are the key environmental trade-offs that packaging designers should consider when evaluating moulded pulp as a plastic alternative?
Our LCA comparing molded pulp with PET and PSP trays showed molded pulp roughly 40% lower in total impact for egg cartons and close to 20% for fruit trays, mainly through global warming and fossil fuel consumption. The trade-off is energy: drying uses more electricity and gas, so urban air pollution was slightly higher. For designers the practical levers are basis weight and drying load — and barrier coatings, which solve water resistance but can undermine the very recyclability that PPWR now asks you to prove.
Q3. What are you most looking forward to discussing or learning at Moulded Fibre Packaging Asia 2026?
Drying is where molded pulp still gives ground, so I'm keen to hear about the latest drying and energy-saving technologies, and how others are pairing them with renewable energy.
