The Royal Australian Mint Molded Fibre Coin Packaging by MaCher Australia is made from a single renewable, recyclable material – molded plant fibre – a blend of bamboo and Bagasse (sugarcane waste). It is a lightweighted solution, reducing the pack weight by 67%, (from 148grams down to 49 grams).
This is the first-time molded fibre has been used to create high-end, premium, collectible packaging for the international collectible coin industry.
This design has replaced a box that was previously made from a complex mix of non-recyclable, energy intensive materials -including multiple plastics, metals, paper & board, synthetic textiles and adhesives.

By using molded plant fibre MaCher were able to provide The Royal Australian Mint with a premium packaging solution that met all of their criteria for high end coin collecting, whilst also being sustainable and recyclable.
When The Royal Australian Mint briefed MaCher Australia on requirements for a new packaging design for their numismatic product range (to be produced in 2 sizes – single coin and 6 coin set) there were multiple criteria to be met.
1. The box is sold as a keepsake collector’s item. It therefore needed to maintain a high level of quality over many years.
2. It was imperative that the new packaging design aesthetic be consistent with the RRP of the coin sets. As an example, a set of 6 limited edition coins (consisting of a 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2 coin) can retail in this box for AUD$125. The box also needed to have a perceived quality / collectability on par with the existing Proof Coin Box (not produced by MaCher).
3. It needed to be made with materials that will not tarnish or contaminate the coins over time.
4. It was required to hold the protective coin casing firmly in place.
5. It had to utilise sustainable and renewable raw materials & processes.
6. It was required to reduce the overall carbon footprint of the packaging by moving away from complex mixed raw materials.
7. It was essential that it be in line with the Australian 2025 National Packaging Targets.
With the above points listed as criteria, The Royal Australian Mint asked MaCher to redesign the Standard Proof Coin Box to become a high quality, environmentally friendly packaging solution, suitable for its collectable high-end coins. A point of focus on the original box was the amount of non-separable mixed materials contained within the design.

This redesigned box is a lightweighted solution, reducing the pack weight by 67%, (from 148grams down to 49 grams). The redesigned box produced by MaCher is made from a single renewable material – molded plant fibre.

The blend of the two different fibre lengths of bamboo and Bagasse provides the box with flexibility and tensile strength. This means the lift off lid secures to the box without the need for hinges or hardware and the box internal firmly holds the coin cases in place without the need for glued foams or textiles.

Sugar cane is a highly renewable, widely available crop, harvested and used for various sugar products. The leftover harvest waste (Bagasse) is maximised for other uses, including packaging, to help create a circular economy. This agricultural waste by-product is already being produced, rather than being specifically farmed; like other substrates such as timber, which can take many years to grow. Bagasse also requires significantly less material input to create the same amount of pulp, when compared to paper. Bamboo is a fast-growing renewable resource, which significantly reduces the deforestation of other trees.
As a waste by-product Bagasse requires significantly less input to create the same amount of pulp compared to paper. As an example, it takes 5,000 kgs of wood to produce 1,000 kgs of pulp vs 1,500 kgs of Bagasse to produce 1,000 kgs. It takes 1 year to grow and harvest compared to wood paper, which can take up to 20 years to grow.

The innovative manufacturing process used to produce the Molded Fibre Standard Proof Collectable Coin Box utilises a number of sustainable practices and initiatives to minimise overall environmental impact through manufacturing.

The combination of strong design, raw material properties and innovative manufacturing technology provide a sustainable, high quality packaging solution for the Royal Australian Mint. While entry-level molded fibre packaging is currently used by the food and beverage industry, this is the first-time molded fibre has been used to create high-end, premium, collectible packaging, a packaging category that is usually dominated by a heavy use of mixed materials, including lacquered timber, leather covered boxes and plastics.

The shift to this new packaging follows The Royal Australian Mint’s commitment to meeting it’s sustainability targets. To promote and educate the customer on the new packaging format an educational leaflet “Thank you for your purchase” was included in the pack communicating the Mint’s focus on sustainability and highlighting the environmental benefits of the packaging.

This box is designed to be reusable, for the ongoing storage of high value, collectible coins. It is important that the box not degrade in stable indoor conditions. At end of life it is recyclable through kerbside recycling.

The product is a world first for the industry and was launched ahead of World Environment Day. The packaging design has been rolled out across The Royal Australian Mint’s Standard Proof numismatic product range.