Packaging formed from pulped paper or wood fibre. The fibre is drawn onto a shaped forming screen, pressed and dried. All four spellings describe the same material. In Czech it is called nasávaná kartonáž.
The mix of water and fibres from which parts are formed. "Pulp" is also used as shorthand for the whole category, as in "pulp packaging" or "pulp tray".
Raw material from collected paper and board, such as newsprint and cartons. It gives the typical grey-brown colour.
Wood fibre that has not been recycled before. It gives a lighter, cleaner surface and is used mainly for premium and cosmetics packaging.
Fibre dyed black, popular for electronics and cosmetics where the pack should look premium.
The part is formed on a screen, dried in an oven and only then pressed to its final shape. The result has thicker walls (typically 2–5 mm at TRIDAS), lower density and a rougher surface showing the forming screen pattern. It absorbs impact very well, which makes it ideal for protective and industrial packaging. It corresponds broadly to the thick wall category in industry literature.
The wet pre-form is dried directly inside a heated press die under pressure. The result has thin walls (typically 0.8–2 mm at TRIDAS), high density and a smooth surface on both sides. It suits cosmetics, electronics and premium presentation packs. Also known as thermoformed, thin wall, fine moulded pulp or precision moulded pulp.
A process that uses a forming tool and a transfer (take-off) tool. It is typical for egg trays, cup carriers and simpler inserts.
The International Molded Fiber Association (IMFA) distinguishes four product types:
The set of shaped tools on which a part is formed: forming screen, press die and transfer tool. Tooling is a one-off project investment and is typically far cheaper than plastic injection moulds.
The slight taper on walls that allows a part to be released from the tool and to be stacked.
A feature that locks the part in the tool. Designers usually avoid undercuts in moulded pulp.
Trimming finishes the edge of a part after moulding. Die-cutting punches openings in it.
A shallow part with cavities that hold products, for example cosmetics or electronic components. Probably the most common term in daily use.
An inner part placed in a box to hold the product in position.
Protective parts fitted on the edges or ends of a product, typically appliances, electronics or furniture. They absorb shocks in transit.
A two-part pack joined by a hinge that closes like a shell.
A cavity that follows the exact shape of a product, such as a phone or headphones.
A part that separates layers or items in a box or on a pallet.
A pallet or pallet base moulded from fibre. It is lighter than wood and recyclable with paper.
The ability of empty parts to stack inside each other, so packaging takes only a fraction of the volume in transport and storage.
Electrostatic discharge protection for sensitive electronics.
International certification of responsible forest management and of the chain of custody for wood-based materials. TRIDAS is FSC certified.
The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2025/40). Among other things, it sets requirements for packaging recyclability and for minimising empty space in packs.
Shared terms save time. When purchasing, design and production agree whether a part is a tray or an insert, and whether it should be dry press or wet press, the request is clearer and the quote comes back faster.
Not sure which pack type or technology fits your product? Get in touch and we will help you decide before design starts.
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