27 Apr. 2026: The International Molded Fiber Association (IMFA) brought together global leaders in Barcelona from April 14-16, 2026, for its 28th Annual Conference, where one theme cut across every session, conversation, and debate: molded fiber is evolving rapidly, with a clear focus on performance, innovation, and global growth.
Three days of plant tours, technical sessions, and peer-to-peer dialogue, with attendees from 99 companies across 27 countries, allowed the industry to confront a new reality. Demand is rising. Expectations are higher. And success will depend on how effectively companies can scale, innovate, and execute.
Attendees began the week on the floor at HP and HAMER Packaging, where molded fiber production was not only discussed but seen firsthand. That perspective carried over into the conference, where discussions quickly moved beyond opportunity to the realities of performance, cost, and operational control.
During conference sessions, Kennet Nilsson of Valmet brought the conversation back to fundamentals, emphasizing that performance begins long before a product is formed. Bill Moore of Moore & Associates built on that, pointing to the shifting fiber landscape and the growing importance of sourcing strategy as a competitive differentiator.
That tension between opportunity and execution carried into the keynote from Pablo Libreros, CEO of Omni-Pac Group, who delivered a candid assessment of what it takes to scale in today’s environment. As he noted, demand alone will not drive growth. Companies must operate with discipline, focus, and a clear commitment to execution.
Lei Wang of AFRY reinforced that message from a global market perspective, highlighting that while growth projections remain strong, the industry continues to face real constraints around cost, scalability, and performance.
Those pressures were echoed across one of the conference’s defining moments: the signature panel session known as “The Five.” Bringing together speakers from across the value chain, the panel illustrated how innovation is no longer happening in isolation.
Suhan Gurer of Fibra Seluloz ve Kagit outlined how materials once considered waste are becoming viable fiber sources, reshaping supply strategies. Henrik Lundell of Prototal Industries demonstrated how digital tooling accelerates production and expands design possibilities. Vivian Xin of BeSure Technology highlighted the shift toward precision manufacturing at scale. At the same time, Jim Fogg of Motus emphasized the incremental but critical advancements needed to close the performance gap with plastics. Emma Janco of BIM Kemi grounded the discussion in application, addressing both the potential and limitations of barrier technologies.
As molded fiber moves into more demanding applications, performance emerged as a central theme throughout the conference.
Joonas Hokka of Kemira spoke about the impact of fiber chemistry on product strength and consistency. At the same time, Johannes Zimmer of Nestlé Research clarified the distinction between biodegradability and compostability, an increasingly important consideration as regulatory expectations evolve. Hannah Kleyer, also of Nestlé Research, addressed one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: the speed of innovation, noting that testing remains a key bottleneck in bringing new materials to market.
Federico Faiella of Novamont brought the conversation back to real-world application, emphasizing that sustainability alone will not be enough. For molded fiber to replace plastic at scale, it must deliver comparable performance.
Regulation remained a constant thread throughout the week. Josep Nicolas Bellot of Steptoe outlined how evolving policies, particularly in Europe, are reshaping expectations across the full lifecycle of packaging. From recyclability requirements to PFAS restrictions, regulatory frameworks are no longer a background factor; they are actively influencing design, material selection, and market strategy.
In parallel with these discussions, IMFA introduced early insights from its first global benchmarking initiative, marking a significant step toward greater transparency and data-driven decision-making across the industry. The program provides members with a clearer understanding of capacity, investment trends, and market dynamics at a time when alignment is critical.
“Molded fiber is no longer an emerging solution—it’s a growing, global industry being tested in real time,” said IMFA Executive Chairman Gary Visser. “What stood out is how aligned the industry is around what comes next. There’s strong demand and clear momentum, but success will come down to execution—how well we scale, how we innovate, and how we work together to move the industry forward.”
Beyond the sessions, the conference reinforced the importance of connection. From the rooftop Welcome Reception to discussions across the exhibit floor and evening events, attendees engaged in the kind of open, candid conversations that continue to drive the industry forward.
The event also recognized the individuals whose contributions have helped shape the evolution of molded fiber. During the IMFA Fellow Award Ceremony, Mike Gallant of CKF Incorporated and Paul Carter were honored for their decades of leadership, technical expertise, and service to the industry.
The 28th Annual Conference was made possible through the support of IMFA’s global partners. IMFA extends its sincere thanks to its Gold Sponsors—Aviridi Inc., Kiefel Technologies, Kadant, and Motus—for their leadership and continued investment in advancing the industry. They also recognize their Silver Sponsors, Inmaco, Yangi, and Solenis, for their ongoing commitment to strengthening the molded fiber community.
IMFA further thanks its Friend Sponsors—Shurcon, Kemira, Fiber Thermoforming Technologies (FTT), Dalton, and Novamont—for their valuable support in delivering a collaborative and engaging conference experience.
As the conference concluded, the focus shifted firmly to what comes next. With strong demand, accelerating innovation, and increasing regulatory alignment, molded fiber is entering a new phase defined by performance.
Looking ahead, IMFA will host its 29th Annual Conference from April 19–21, 2027, in Orlando, Florida, at the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort and Spa.
For more information, visit www.imfa.org.