Yangi has added an undercut feature to its dry-forming platform for moulded fibre packaging, extending the process to closures and snap-fit components that the company says have been difficult to produce in fibre. It is demonstrating the capability with a coffee lid intended as a fibre-based alternative to plastic lids.
Undercut geometries are commonly used in plastic packaging to create snap-fit connections and secure closures, providing a reliable mechanical fit between a lid and a container. Reproducing that geometry precisely in moulded fibre is technically challenging, according to Yangi. The company says its precision-engineered undercut delivers a secure and consistent fit, with a measured lid removal force of 6 N.
The coffee lid was tested through 10 simulated coffee pours over 10 minutes. Yangi says it maintained a leak-tight seal and structural integrity when exposed to hot beverages at 93°C. Those results are presented as a demonstration of the undercut feature in a lid application.
Beyond coffee lids, Yangi says the undercut technology is suitable for fitted closures in snack containers, takeaway containers, dessert and ice cream tubs, confectionery packaging, dry and ambient food containers, and packaging for personal care products, cosmetics and consumer goods.
Dry-forming platform
The undercut capability builds on Cellera, Yangi's dry-forming platform powered by its patented fibre formation system, FiberIQ. Unlike conventional wet moulding, Cellera forms fibre without a water-based forming step; Yangi expects this to reduce water and energy requirements in the production of renewable, fibre-based packaging. In a coffee lid application, the platform's four-second production cycle is estimated to reach an output of 300 lids per minute.
Cellera is designed for high-volume, cost-competitive manufacturing, combining precise fibre distribution with advanced forming technology to support consistent quality and functional performance. Carlo Semeraro, Yangi's head of Commercial Partnerships, said achieving precision in dry-moulded fibre requires advanced tooling and forming expertise. He said the coffee lid demonstrates the performance available today, while the larger opportunity is to apply the functionality across a wider range of packaging.
CEO Johann Kaiser said the challenge has not been simply to replace plastic with fibre, but to make fibre perform at the level the market demands. He said each new capability reinforces fibre's position as a competitive alternative by delivering the functionality, quality and industrial performance needed for the transition to fibre-based packaging.
Summit display and industry context
Yangi will display the undercut feature alongside other contributions to its dry-moulded fibre packaging range at the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Utrecht from 10 to 12 November 2026. Attendees can visit Stand 28 in the Networking Zone to view Cellera dry-forming technology through an immersive VR experience.
The announcement follows Yangi's commissioning of its serial Cellera machine platform. Combining Cellera with the dry-forming process is expected to reduce resource consumption and CO2 emissions by 70% to 80% compared with conventional plastic alternatives, according to the company.
Separately, PulPac licensee Hébert Group has partnered with Andritz to scale up production of Dry Molded Fiber trays and lids. The partners are targeting water- and energy-efficient manufacturing that uses renewable or recycled fibres.