Oji embeds scallop shells and activated carbon into active fiber packaging for fresh food

The shift from passive containers to active material science

As we navigate the second half of 2026, the packaging industry is moving past the simple substitution of plastics with paper. The new frontier is active fiber—materials engineered to interact with their contents. Oji Holdings, through its subsidiary Oji Kinocloth, has confirmed its upcoming showcase at the Highly-Functional Material Week in Tokyo, scheduled for September 30 to October 2. The Japanese giant is preparing to demonstrate how its proprietary air-laid nonwoven technology can fundamentally alter the preservation of fresh food.

Traditional papermaking relies heavily on water to distribute fibers. Oji’s air-laid technology, however, uses air currents to form a porous sheet structure. This seemingly subtle manufacturing difference unlocks a critical capability: the integration of functional powders directly into the fiber matrix without compromising structural integrity. By utilizing this Totally Dry System (TDS), Oji can load up to 500 grams of functional powder per square meter of material.

Kinocloth targets the fresh food supply chain

The most immediate application of this technology is the Kinocloth range, specifically designed for the demanding fresh food sector. Transporting highly perishable goods like strawberries, broccoli, and seafood requires strict moisture and odor management. Oji is addressing this by embedding activated carbon, silica gel, and repurposed scallop shell powder directly into the packaging substrate.

The inclusion of scallop shell powder is particularly noteworthy. It transforms a seafood industry byproduct into a valuable odor-absorbing agent. When combined with the internal gaps of the air-laid structure, these additives actively adsorb odor compounds and regulate humidity. For retailers and brand owners in 2026, this means extended shelf life and reduced food waste, addressing two of the most pressing economic and environmental challenges in the grocery supply chain.

Replacing bubble wrap with water-soluble fiber

Beyond food applications, Oji is leveraging its air-laid expertise to tackle the protective packaging market. The company will also showcase HyBioth, a biodegradable and water-soluble nonwoven fabric designed to replace conventional plastic bubble wrap in electronics packaging. With major tech companies aggressively phasing out single-use plastics, HyBioth offers a drop-in replacement that boasts high water retention and cushioning properties, while remaining fully recyclable within standard paper streams.

Additionally, the Kinarito product line demonstrates the aesthetic potential of wood pulp-based nonwovens. Capable of being heat-press-molded into complex, customized shapes, it provides a sustainable alternative for premium and luxury gift packaging, proving that environmental compliance does not require a sacrifice in brand presentation.

Oji’s strategic direction highlights a broader industry trend for 2026 and heading into 2027: the convergence of material science and traditional fiber processing. By engineering paper to perform active functions—whether controlling the microclimate of a strawberry punnet or cushioning delicate electronics—Oji is expanding the addressable market for fiber-based solutions.

Oji's approach to active fiber packaging proves that the future of paper lies in advanced material science rather than just structural engineering. Will the higher production costs of air-laid functional fibers limit their adoption to premium segments, or can economies of scale bring them to everyday retail? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai