Fiber Thermo­forming Natural Fiber Packaging 

We put your product first and rethink product design and functionality, material and composition towards a more sustainable product. Depending on that we adapt the manufacturing process and optimize machines and tools for your production. Your sustainable product can be recycled easier and together we are closing the loop.

To meet your goals for a profitable and sustainable packaging, we aim to provide machines for processing a wide variety of materials. You choose whether you want to use classic recyclable plastics like rPET, bio-based materials like PLA or natural fiber. 

This choice is more important than ever, as consumers tend towards sustainable packaging. The market needs green packaging. At Kiefel, we took on the challenge and expanded our material competence and machine capabilities to offer you the solutions of tomorrow - thermoforming of natural fiber called Kiefel Fiber Thermoforming.

Secondary fibers are used for protective packaging and agricultural products. Examples include flowerpots, seed trays or transport packaging of industry goods.

Simple and functional packaging solutions become possible.

Cost-effective production, the option to use recycled scrap paper and a competitive/profitable end product are only a few of the benefits.

The Kiefel process - overview:

1. Raw Material: primary or secondary fibers
2. Fiber Preparation: refining with water to lower fiber concentration
3. Forming: the majority of the water is extracted from the fiber mixture through the forming tool via negative pressure
4. Pre-Pressing: continuous extraction of water, preformed product is pre-pressed and further drained with elastic tool 
5. Hot-Pressing: reduction of residual moisture to a minimum through pressure and heat, refinement of contours/engravings, handover to lifting conveyors
6. Quality inspection e.g. camera inspection systems (add-on)
7. Automation solutions e.g. sleeving, boxing (add-on)

The key feature of our machines is the thermoforming process itself: The water extraction procedure in combination with the cold pre-pressing technology reduces the moisture up to 60 %

The final press with heated tools reduces the residual moisture of the packaging product to approximately 7%. This new technology makes the production of high-quality surfaces possible in only 20 seconds*.

*referred to our reference product

There are two versions of the NATUREFORMER: Flex and Speed. Profit from a smaller installation surface and a simple and manual tool changing system with the KFT 90 Speed - a perfect starter modell for fiber molded products.

You want more?

The KFT 90 Flex comes with a fully automated tool changing system thanks to innovative robot technology. Your products can reach a height up to 250 mm.

*referred to our reference product