Ahead of the event, we spoke with Dr. Joerg Zacharias, Senior Expert at KRONES AG, about the latest developments in fibre-baesd packaging and his upcoming presentation, “Fibre-based bottles: Possibilities, Opportunities, Limitations.”
.png)
Q: Fibre-based bottles are attracting significant attention recently, but what do you see as the biggest technical challenges in making them commercially viable?
First, we need to adapt senseful fibre sources with senseful barrier materials for suitable filling goods. With it, these bottles are a new format with new combined materials. The aim is to achieve a critical total volume or mass so that the market can generate significant recycling streams. Such streams can only be realized — depending in part on the specific region — through a sufficient number of collaborations. Therefore, we must work together as a community to achieve this critical mass. Only in this way will we reach this goal in the near future. A sustainable market entry for this fibre-based format is possible only through joint action.
Q: How important is it to consider filling and downstream processes when developing the next generation of fibre-based bottles?
As we expect, the next generation of fibre-based bottles with more and complete bio-based materials, it will be a very important point to choose the right technical solution for successful filling. To achieve the best shelf-life, it is necessary to be aware of sufficient hygiene during filling and the necessary, more sensitive handling of these bottles. This is necessary to achieve the best performance in industrial scaled systems and to reach higher reliable throughput in the production lines.
Q: What are you most looking forward to discussing or learning at Moulded Fibre Packaging Asia 2026?
Forge new contacts and gain insight into the Asian—and specifically Chinese—perspective, as well as expectations regarding the rapidly growing market for fibre bottles. In addition, I hope to understand and analyse the specific complexities involved aspects that, in my assessment, likely differ somewhat from the situation in Europe.
