PulPac’s Modula Makes Waves: JOA Facility Welcomes Next-Gen Fibre-Converting Machinery for Sustainable Innovation

PulPac, a frontrunner in sustainable packaging solutions, and their turnkey partner Curt G. Joa (JOA) proudly announce the successful installation and operation of the cutting-edge “Modula” dry-moulded fibre converting line. Starting this week, the machine will be showcased to customers at JOA’s site in Sheboygan Falls, WI in collaboration with PulPac’s North American sales partner, Seismic Solutions. The Modula machine platform handles high-volume production of a wide range of dry-moulded fibre products, while offering freedom and flexibility to make additions and upgrades to the original machine platform concept.

With single-use plastics becoming an ever-increasing problem, Swedish PulPac can present a globally viable, cost-efficient, renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable alternative. The company has developed a pioneering manufacturing technology for fibre-based products that uses significantly less water and energy than traditional fibre forming. The dry process lowers the CO₂ footprint by up to 80 per cent and is up to 10 times faster than conventional fibre-forming, making fibre-based alternatives cost-competitive to plastic packaging. The technology is made available through licencing to packaging manufacturers worldwide. It is supported by a global partner network that supplies all elements needed to leverage dry-moulded fibre production.

“Seeing the technology and the machinery live is often an eye opener for people in the industry. And I am thrilled that we can now showcase the technology and the Modula firsthand to our North American customers. With partners based locally, we also expand and simplify customer access to support, know-how, product development, and capacity,” says Sanna Fager, Chief Commercial Officer at PulPac.

JOA, a renowned machine builder, is part of PulPac’s growing dry-moulded fibre network and delivers the Modula as a turnkey solution. JOA works closely with Seismic Solutions, PulPac’s sales partner, and TekPak, its tooling partner in North America. Besides being showcased to customers, the Modula on JOA’s site will validate customer tooling and products and produce bridge volumes for market tests, for example. While the JOA Modula is adapted to the North American Market, it is available to all customers licencing the dry-moulded fibre technology from PulPac.

“I believe dry-moulded fibre will revolutionize the way packaging is manufactured and perceived. Combining this technology with our engineering know-how and machine-building expertise will benefit the packaging industry, drive sustainability, and help facilitate the shift away from single-use plastics,” says Ryan Brown, Business Development Manager at Curt G. JOA.

Besides the Modula platform, PulPac has also developed the “Scala” Machine Platform, a smaller and more compact dry-moulded fibre machine based on a plastic-injection machine platform.

“Our goal is to foster a packaging industry where sustainability is no longer a choice, but a fundamental principle. Dry-moulded fibre can do that and, at the same time, be good business for the whole value chain, from the brands to the manufacturers and the suppliers of materials and equipment,” comments Viktor Börjesson, Chief Operating Officer at PulPac.

Video of the JOA Modula Machine >>

About PulPac
PulPac is the home of dry-moulded fibre – a pioneer in packaging solutions, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to do with cellulosic fibres. PulPac’s ambition is to replace single-use plastics by making its cutting-edge fibre-forming technology available to the world. By bringing together all parts of the packaging industry in an ecosystem of changemakers, PulPac builds on existing businesses and infrastructure – enabling fast scaling of responsibly produced packaging in which sustainability is not just a choice, but a fundamental principle. Learn more at www.pulpac.com.

About JOA
For over 90 years, Curt G. Joa, Inc. (JOA) has been a world leader in engineering and building custom machines for the disposable market. Customers utilize JOA’s technology to convert nonwovens, plastics, paper, films, foil, tape, and elastics to produce hygiene products that include baby diapers, feminine sanitary napkins, and adult incontinence products as well as medical and other specialty single-use products. Today, in JOA’s third and fourth generations of family ownership, JOA still stands for engineering excellence and success through long-term relationships. JOA has a global presence with locations in the U.S.A., Germany, and Japan. Learn more at www.joa.com.

About Seismic Solutions, LLC.
Seismic Solutions is a consulting firm that has created an ecosystem of partners developed to ideate and execute new ideas, concepts, and products. We empower our clients to harness their ability to break down barriers and challenge the status quo. Let us connect you to “Best in Class” service providers who will enable you to improve your operational results. Our team of experienced professionals includes experts in packaging engineering, design, innovation, and optimization. Learn more at www.seismicoutcomes.com.

About Tek Pak, Inc.
Tek Pak, Inc. is a global manufacturing company specializing in thermoforming tooling and providing light gauge thermoform, moulded fibre, and packaging solutions for electronic, food, healthcare, and industrial industries from design concept through prototype and production. Headquartered in St. Charles, Ill., Tek Pak remains a closely held private corporation with five facilities in the western suburbs of Chicago. The company provides the most comprehensive, high-quality, and fastest light gauge thermoforming development in the world. Learn more at www.tekpak.com.