Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How big is the PAKIT100™ machine?

A: Total Length of the PAKIT100 is 11 meters (36 feet).

Q: How much does the PAKIT100 cost?

A: Cost depends on specific customer requirements; please contact PAKIT directly for a quote.

Q: What is so special about the PAKIT process?

A: PAKIT’s patented forming process produces fibre based packaging with qualities that were previously impossible to achieve. The finished products have smooth surfaces on both sides, are thin walled and very strong.

Q: How many pieces can I make on it?

A: This depends on the size of piece; the active platen area on the PAKIT100 is 1260 mm x 560 mm (49.6 inches x 22 inches).

Q: How fast does the PAKIT100 run?

A: The PAKIT100’s drop rate is 5 – 7.5 drops per minute (350-450 per hour).

Q: What will the pieces cost?

A: Depends on the fibre source, package size and chemical formulation.

Q: What is nominal Moulded Board thickness?

A: The nominal thickness of Moulded Board is 0.6 mm, range depends on pulp used, demand of product, etc.

Q: What is Moulded Board's nominal basis weight?

A: Moulded Board nominal basis weight using virgin CTMP pulp is 375 GSM but we can work between 250 - 500 GSM.

Q: What type of fibres can you run?

A: Many types of virgin and recycled natural cellulose fibres including wood, bagasse, kenaf, hemp, palm, etc.

Q: What is the maximum height of a product?

A: Currently the PAKIT100 maximum product height is 100 mm (3.94 inches).

Q: What is the recommended maximum draw angle?

A: For most products 15 degrees.

Q: Can you make it water, oil, and grease resistant?

A: Yes, a variety of product characteristics can be achieved through modern paper chemical technologies.

Q: What oven temperature can Moulded Board withstand? Will it discolour?

A: Packages have been tested in a 150°C (300°F) oven without any packaging breakdown or discolouration. With modified formulations, higher temperatures can be achieved.

Q: How quickly can I get a new machine?

A: The current lead time from order date to FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) at our manufacturing partner is 5 months.

Q: How quickly can I get new tooling?

A: New tooling has a 6 week lead time, and replacement tools have a 4 week lead time.

Q: How much does tooling cost?

A: Tooling costs depend on customer requirements, please contact PAKIT directly for quote.

Q: How much water does the system use during production?

A: Very little; the PAKIT100 process can be configured as a closed-loop which recycles almost all water both during the forming and drying processes.

Q: What utilities do I need to have available?

A: Electricity: The required power supply for a one line plant is 720 kW (with pulper and compressor). For a four line plant, the power supply needs to be 2370 kW. These figures are approximate and will depend on the final configuration.

Q: Water Flow

A: For filling up the system a water supply of 200 litres/minute instantaneous flow is preferred.

Q: How much energy is needed to dry the products?

A: 2610 kWh/tonne of production.

Q: How many people are needed to run a machine?

A: Two operators can run as many as four machines.

Q: How many machines can one pulper support?

A: Depending on the capicity of the pulper. This item can be supplied by a third party.

Q: What other after-treatment options can I add?

A: A variety of after-treatments are available. Some of these options include trimming, punching, printing, stacking, bagging and laminating.

Q: Do your formulations meet FDA and equivalent regulatory requirements?

A: They can, depending on the particular customer requirements in chemical formulations.

Q: Are your products compostable (according to DIN and ASTM standards?)

A: Generally yes; however, it is dependent upon the additives included in the formulations. The natural fibres are by their nature compostable and biodegradable.

Q: What is so special about your tooling?

A: PAKIT's tooling process is critical to the development of Moulded Board’s surface smoothness and product stiffness.

Q: Will you sell your tooling separately?

A: Not at this time.