Interview: Wire mesh for sustainable packaging
Opportunities and Challenges
Philipp Sickmann works in Business Development at Haver & Boecker, focusing intensively on the further development of products and applications as well as on the requirements of international customers. His work centers on applications of wire mesh in the molded fiber and packaging industries. In this role, he provides targeted advice to packaging manufacturers, helping them choose the optimal wire mesh for each end product – taking into account geometry, surface requirements, and process-specific conditions.
In the interview, he discusses current challenges in molded fiber production, the role of wire mesh in shaping processes, and technical trends and innovations that support sustainable packaging solutions.
Mr. Sickmann, sustainable molded fiber packaging has become a key future topic for many packaging manufacturers. Let’s take a closer look at the technical and process-related challenges and opportunities connected to using mesh in molded fiber packaging production.
What current challenges and trends do you see for packaging manufacturers who want to switch to sustainable molded fiber packaging?
Demand for biodegradable packaging is rising rapidly. At the same time, supply chain issues and raw material shortages are limiting material choices. In addition, requirements for product safety and food compliance continue to increase. Packaging manufacturers therefore need to adapt their processes flexibly and efficiently to new market conditions – without compromising on quality or sustainability.
What should packaging manufacturers pay particular attention to when selecting the right mesh for their specific molded fiber products?
Mesh count and wire diameter are crucial, as they determine both fiber retention and water drainage. Stainless steel is recommended for food-contact applications. Depending on the requirements, different mesh types and mesh counts are used to achieve the desired stability and surface finish. Flexibility is important for complex packaging designs, as are durability and ease of maintenance for the mesh molds.
What typical challenges arise when manufacturing and deep-drawing mesh molds for packaging? How can manufacturers address them?
Typical issues include tearing caused by overstretching, wrinkling, or spring-back effects. Solutions lie in precise cutting, controlled pressing force, and targeted annealing. Specialized presses and tooling ensure accurate shaping and prevent quality losses.
Why is annealing mesh so crucial for packaging manufacturers in terms of mold quality and service life?
Annealing reduces internal stresses and makes the mesh easier to form. It prevents spring-back, maintains consistent mesh count, and ensures stable product quality. It also extends the service life of molds and reduces downtime – clear advantages for efficient production.
Are there any specific requirements for mesh molds used in molded fiber packaging compared to other applications?
Yes, the requirements are significantly higher. Packaging demands excellent surface quality and detailed accuracy. The mesh structure must be precisely adapted to the individual product shape to accurately reproduce complex three-dimensional designs.
What advantages and disadvantages do you see for packaging manufacturers in producing mesh molds in-house versus working with specialized suppliers?
In-house production enables quick adjustments and customized solutions but requires significant investment in machinery and expertise. Working with suppliers saves resources, provides access to specialized know-how, and reduces unexpected costs. The decision ultimately depends on production volume, complexity, and desired flexibility. Haver & Boecker supports manufacturers with consulting, development, and production of mesh as roll goods – all from a single source.
How important is regular maintenance and repair of mesh molds for packaging manufacturers? What typical wear patterns occur?
The service life of a mold is several months, depending on stress and maintenance. Typical damage includes wire breakage, deformation, and contamination. Regular visual inspections and gentle cleaning extend service life. Minor damage can be repaired through welding, while major defects require replacement.
What innovations do you expect in the coming years specifically for packaging manufacturers in the field of mesh for molded fiber packaging?
We see exciting developments: new alloys and mesh structures for even better performance, digital process monitoring, and automated quality control. Maintenance and cleaning are also becoming increasingly automated. And not least: more sustainable production methods and recycling concepts for mesh – an important step toward a circular economy.
We offer:
- Personalized consultations and customer-oriented service
- A variety of weave types, perfectly tailored to your process and end-product
- Specially developed mesh types for molded fiber packaging
- A strong research and development team that designs wire mesh to your exact specifications
Rely on wire mesh from Haver & Boecker and optimize your molded fiber production for efficient, flexible, and sustainable packaging manufacturing!
