a molded fiber product is made from plant fibers containing lignin . plant fibers ranging in size below 0 . 5 mm are used . binding agents and other additives may be mixed with the fibers to enhance product or process performance . the plant fiber mixture of fibers and additives are heated at temperatures between 40 degrees c . and 300 degrees c . the heated fibers are compressed in a mold to an average density of at least 960 kg / m 3 . compression pressures of at least 3 . 4 mpa are used . the compressed fiber product is released from the mold and the mold may be reused . a thermoset molded plant fiber product is provided having characteristics and qualities similar to engineering grade thermoplastics and thermoset plastics .