Design and productivity aspects of dry molded fiber products

Abstract

This thesis investigates the design and productivity aspects of dry molded fiber product, especially focusing on existing product disposable coffee cup lid and possible future work, dry fiber bottle. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyse the previous research done on molded pulp products and the differences between the wet molded products and dry molded products. The design and productivity parameters are analysed for an existing dry fiber molded products disposable coffee cup lid and accordingly the dry fiber bottle is designed. The design process followed for designing dry fiber bottle is double diamond method. The design process followed also investigates about the need for dry fiber bottle and possible outcome with the visualization of the design using two different dry fiber options. In addition, the cognitive ergonomic viewpoint of the product is also analysed. The comparing productivity factor with wet molded products are raw material availability, production technology, cost effectiveness, usability of the product, durability of the product, and end-life of product. Lastly, LCA is carried out for environmental impact based upon the raw material, product manufacturing, transport of the product, and end-of-life of the product and the comparison is made between the plastic bottle, wet molded bottle, and dry molded bottle. This research implantation extends to food packaging, beverage packaging and other packaging industries, as it extends the study upon material rather than just dry fiber bottle.