We have strengthened our collaboration with the TH Rosenheim (Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences). For this purpose, we have given the Faculty of Wood Technology and Construction today a NATUREFORMER KFT Lab machine for research purposes. The department can use it to test the thermoforming of various packaging products made from natural plant fibers.
Fiber Thermoforming technology allows Kiefel machines to manufacture packaging from natural fibers such as cellulose, straw or annual plants - instead of plastic. Kiefel developed the associated NATUREFORMER machines for series production over the past three years - a large number are already in operation worldwide.
Strengthening innovation in the region
"We would like to further promote the innovative strength of our region with the help of our technologies", emphasizes Thomas Halletz, CEO of Kiefel, at the formal presentation to the TH Rosenheim. "The sustainable packaging sector has great potential that we can exploit even better through joint development work."
University President Prof. Dr. H. c. Heinrich Köster and Prof. Dr. Andreas Michanickl, head of the laboratory for wood materials technology, received the KFT Lab. “With the new system we are expanding our R&D activities in the university's wood-based bio-economy research focus, which is funded by Bavaria. Our competencies in the production of fibers from wood and other biomass support the development of sustainable packaging on the basis of fibers that can be extracted from wood,” explains Michanickl. "The project is an excellent example of the successful close cooperation between local companies and the university," adds Köster.
The KFT Lab laboratory machine allows students to produce and research various recipes including the barrier properties of natural fiber products using small test batches. In the next few months, the machine will initially be supervised by a student. The project also creates synergies with the Faculty of Chemical Technology and Economics on the Burghausen campus, another location of the TH Rosenheim.
Cooperation promotes the packaging technology of the future
Kiefel attaches great importance to research and teaching. Close cooperation with educational institutions such as the TH Rosenheim is an important building block for innovation. In addition, the company would like to offer new perspectives in the region with sustainable packaging technology and expand its team of specialists.
