Materials and manufacturing company TekniPlex held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new molded fiber facility that will produce egg cartons.
The facility will produce fiber-based cartons that are compostable and biodegradable using recycled raw materials that are pumped through a pulping machine. The plant will use TekniPlex’s proprietary technology on all its production lines.
The facility, located in Van Wert, Ohio, will be 200,000 square feet and produce a variety of products in addition to egg cartons, such as fruit trays and wine carriers. Operations for the multi-million-dollar plant are planned to begin in early 2024. This will be the company’s eighth molded fiber plant.
According to Eldon Schaffer, TekniPlex CEO, the new plant will combine TekniPlex’s fiber capabilities with its technology platforms that were obtained through recent acquisitions.
In the last 15 months, TekniPlex acquired three specialty molded fiber solutions companies including Keyes Packaging Group of Wenatchee, Washington, Fibro Corporation of Tacoma, Washington and EMATEC, based in Mexico.
The recyclable egg carton to be produced at the new facility was first introduced at the 2022 International Production and Processing Expo.
“Molded fiber is a renewable bio-based material derived from 100% natural, typically recycled paper and cardboard fibers, making it highly attractive to brands seeking to expand their bio-based packaging offerings,” said Schaffer.
“We are the largest egg carton producer in the United States and Mexico,” added Schaffer. “We have developed a new fiber solution that will perform stronger and provide more superior protection in order to reduce food waste and reduce costs so we can help our customers win in the marketplace.”
TekniPlex Senior Vice President and General Manager Jay Arnold indicated the company is already planning an expansion of the facility.
“I should remind everybody that this is only phase one that we’re talking about for this plant right now. We look forward to future investments in the site. We’re building a plant that has the capability of expansion,” Arnold stated.
