Gary Chinga Carrasco from RISE PFI discussed how mechanical pulp properties influence the development and performance of fibre-based food packaging at the forum.
The REDYSIGN project took part in Treforedlingsforum 2026 held on 3–4 November at the Thon Hotel Snø in Lørenskog, Norway. Gary Chinga Carrasco, lead researcher at RISE PFI, represented the European initiative with a presentation focusing on the role of mechanical pulp properties in developing more sustainable fibre-based packaging solutions for fresh food products.
Organised by Papirindustriens Tekniske Forening (PTF), the forum served as a meeting point for representatives from the pulp and paper sector to discuss current industry challenges and technological developments. This year’s programme covered a range of topics, including water management, environmental requirements, carbon capture, artificial intelligence in industry and mechanical fibres.
REDYSIGN on stage: Fibre characteristics and packaging performance
On 4 November, Gary Chinga Carrasco participated in the session “State of the Art: Mechanical Fibres”, delivering a talk entitled “Mechanical Pulps for Fresh Food Packaging: Why Fibre Characteristics Matter”.
Drawing on research conducted within REDYSIGN, his contribution examined the relationship between mechanical pulp properties and the production of fibre-based packaging for fresh food products, including thermoformed trays, films and liquid absorbent pads.
The talk also addressed the influence fibre morphology, fines content and fibre–water interactions influence formability, water absorption and mechanical performance. The research explored how the targeted selection and adaptation of mechanical pulps can contribute to the development of high-performance, resource-efficient and sustainable packaging solutions for fresh food products.
Highlighting the broader potential of these materials beyond conventional applications, Gary Chinga Carrasco emphasised:
“Mechanical pulp remains a cornerstone of the Norwegian pulp and paper industry, with considerable potential for higher-value applications in emerging sustainable markets”.
Participation in Treforedlingsforum 2026 provided REDYSIGN with an opportunity to share its research with the pulp and paper community, contributing to discussions on the potential of wood-derived materials for more sustainable food packaging applications.
To learn more about the research presented, explore the following scientific publications:
- Fully functional absorbent pads for fresh meat packaging made of enzymatically pre-treated TMP fibers, CTMP core, lignin-based treatment and adhesive.
📃 Read the article - 3D printing to optimize the dry forming of thermomechanical pulp and chemi-thermomechanical pulp trays for food packaging. Sustainable Materials and Technologies.
📃 Read the article - Thermo-pressed specimens coated with lignin-containing thermo-mechanical pulp fines and modified enzymatically to increase hydrophobicity.
📃 Read the article
