Home of fiber - the future of fiber-based packaging

Home of fiber - the future of fiber-based packaging

By OPTIMA packaging group GmbHBusinessScienceTechnologyNatural Sciences
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Home of fiber - the future of fiber-based packaging episodes

  • #003 - From Pulp to Packaging: Dry Molded Fiber Technologies (Marc-Kevin Aller)

    How can dry molded fiber unlock new opportunities for sustainable packaging at industrial scale? In this episode of Home of Fiber, Marc-Kevin Aller, Platform Leader for Dry Molded Fiber and Paper Thermoforming Technology at Optima, explains how dry molded fiber technologies are advancing to meet increasing demands for recyclability, resource efficiency, and high-volume production. Together with host Dominik Bröllochs, he explores the materials, processes, and innovations that are driving the next generation of fiber-based packaging.

    What This Episode Covers

    The fundamentals of dry molded fiber technology and its role in sustainable packaging.

    How dry molded fiber differs from conventional wet molded fiber processes.
    Applications and design flexibility for fiber-based packaging across food, beverage, and consumer goods markets.The integration of barrier solutions to meet product protection requirements.
    Decoration, branding, and design possibilities for molded fiber packaging.
    Industrial-scale production and manufacturing efficiency through the Fiber One platform.
    The potential of dry molded fiber to support recyclability and circular packaging goals.

    Key Takeaways

    Dry molded fiber is emerging as a scalable and flexible solution for a wide range of fiber-based packaging applications. Advances in materials, manufacturing processes, and machine technologies make it possible to combine design flexibility and high production efficiency with reduced resource consumption and improved sustainability. The episode demonstrates how dry molded fiber can help packaging manufacturers and brand owners reduce their reliance on plastic while supporting recyclability, circularity, and future packaging requirements.

    Speakers

    Marc-Kevin Aller

    Platform Leader for Dry Molded Fiber and Paper Thermoforming Technology at Optima.
    Dominik Bröllochs
    Director Fiber Solutioans at Optima Group and Host of the Home of Fiber podcast.

    Why This Episode Matters

    As demand for sustainable packaging continues to grow, manufacturers are looking for solutions that combine environmental benefits with industrial performance. Dry molded fiber offers a promising alternative by enabling high-quality fiber-based packaging with efficient production processes and reduced material usage. This episode provides practical insights into the technologies, applications, and innovations that are helping bring dry molded fiber packaging to commercial scale. It offers a valuable perspective on how the packaging industry is advancing toward more circular and resource-efficient packaging solutions.

    25 min
  • #002 - Replace the plastic, keep the barrier! Paperboard Forming technologies (Michael Wagner from Weyhmüller)

    What does it take to transform paperboard into high-performance packaging for products such as dairy, coffee, detergents, or baby milk powder?

    In this episode of Home of Fiber, Michael Wagner, Site Manager at Weyhmüller, explains how paperboard forming technologies are evolving to meet growing demands for sustainability, recyclability, and product protection. Together with host Dominik Bröllochs, he explores the materials, processes, and innovations that are shaping the future of fiber-based packaging.

    What this episode covers:

    The history and expertise of Weyhmüller and its role within the Optima Group.

    How paperboard cups, cans, and containers are formed and sealed.
    Applications for fiber-based packaging across food, non-food, and consumer goods markets.
    The impact of PPWR requirements on packaging development.
    How ultrasonic sealing enables high-fiber, high-performance packaging solutions.
    Aluminum-free barrier materials and gas-tight paper packaging.
    The difference between Iso and Desto cup concepts.
    New approaches to recyclability and circular packaging design.

    Key takeaways:

    Paperboard packaging is expanding far beyond traditional cup applications and is becoming a viable solution for a growing range of consumer products. Advances in materials and ultrasonic sealing technology make it possible to combine high fiber content with strong barrier performance and improved recyclability. The episode shows how paperboard forming is helping packaging producers meet future PPWR requirements while paving the way for industrial-scale fiber packaging solutions.

    Speakers:

    Michael Wagner - Site Manager at Weyhmüller

    Dominik Bröllochs - Director Fiber Solutions at Optima Group and Host of the Home of Fiber podcast.

    Why this episode matters:

    As packaging manufacturers look for alternatives to plastic and aluminum, fiber-based solutions must deliver both sustainability and performance. This episode provides practical insights into the technologies, materials, and production processes that are making high-barrier, recyclable paper packaging a reality. It offers a valuable perspective on how the industry is moving toward scalable packaging solutions that support circularity without compromising product protection.

    👉 Learn more about Optima’s fiber activities and solutions (https://www.optima-packaging.com/en/industries/fiber-based-packaging?utm_source=pod&utm_medium=feed-or&utm_campaign=fiberbased))

    👉 Subscribe to stay updated on upcoming episodes and topics (https://www.optima-packaging.com/en/industries/fiber-based-packaging/podcast?utm_source=pod&utm_medium=feed-or&utm_campaign=fiberbased))

    38 min
  • #001 - Is plastic packaging already dead? (Dr. Stefan König & Heiko Kühne)
    Exploring the next wave of fiber-based packaging innovation. Is plastic packaging already dead?

    In the first episode of Home of Fiber, Optima takes a closer look at why fiber-based packaging is no longer just a sustainability idea — but a realistic, scalable alternative to plastic.

    Host Dominik Bröllochs is joined by Stefan König, CEO of the Optima Group, and Heiko Kühne, Managing Director of Optima Consumer, to talk about what has changed in the market and in technology. The conversation explores why fiber packaging is reaching industrial scale, how cost parity with plastic is becoming achievable, and what this means for FMCG manufacturers worldwide.
    Recorded at Optima’s fiber center in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany, this episode connects European innovation with global packaging challenges, shaped by evolving regulation and rising customer demand for more sustainable solutions.

    What this episode covers

    Why fiber-based packaging is reaching mass‑market readiness now

    The three fiber technologies developed and industrialized by Optima
    How sustainability, consumer experience, and cost efficiency can align
    Key use cases: trays, cups, cans, foodservice and FMCG packaging
    Why hybrid solutions matter as a practical transition from plastic
    How co‑development with brand owners accelerates innovation
    The impact of regulations such as PPWR, EPR fees, and circular economy targets
    A realistic mindset: plastic where needed, fiber where possible
    Key takeaways
    Fiber-based packaging has moved beyond prototypes and pilot projects. Thanks to high‑speed, energy‑efficient machines and open material systems, fiber solutions can now compete with plastic in terms of performance, scalability, and total cost of ownership.
    Optima’s “Home of Fiber” approach goes beyond forming technologies. It combines fiber forming, barrier technologies, lamination, filling, closing, and end‑of‑line solutions into one integrated system — supported by early‑stage collaboration with FMCG companies. The result: packaging solutions that are sustainable, functional, and ready for industrial production.

    Speakers

    Stefan König – CEO, Optima Group

    Heiko Kühne – Managing Director, Optima Consumer
    Host: Dominik Bröllochs

    Why this episode matters

    This episode speaks directly to decision‑makers in packaging, FMCG, and foodservice who are asking:

    What are real alternatives to plastic packaging today?

    How can fiber-based packaging meet performance and cost requirements?
    Which technologies are ready for large‑scale production?
    How will regulation in Europe and North America shape future packaging standards?
    About Home of Fiber
    Home of fiber reflects Optima’s ambition to be a place customers can turn to whenever they are looking for meaningful fiber-based packaging solutions. It stands for the idea that, at Optima, customers can find the expertise, technologies and openness needed to explore fiber — from first questions to industrial implementation.
    Optima supports this journey in different ways, through dialogue, collaboration and engineering know-how. This podcast is one of those entry points, offering background, perspectives and orientation — a way to get informed and inspired before taking the next steps.

    👉 Learn more about Optima’s fiber activities and solutions (https://www.optima-packaging.com/en/industries/fiber-based-packaging?utm_source=yt&utm_medium=feed-or&utm_campaign=fiberbased))

    👉 Subscribe to stay updated on upcoming episodes and topics (https://www.optima-packaging.com/en/industries/fiber-based-packaging/podcast?utm_source=yt&utm_medium=feed-or&utm_campaign=fiberbased))

    24 min

About Home of fiber - the future of fiber-based packaging

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Fiber-based packaging is currently transforming an entire industry.