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Mondi

VIENNA, Austria, July 10, 2020 (Press Release) -Mondi, global leader in packaging and paper, has commissioned a crude tall oil plant (CTO-plant) at its Syktyvkar pulp and paper mill. The new equipment allows processing of all sulphate soap generated as a by-product of the pulp production process in the mill. As a result of this investment, the mill will be able to produce up to around 40,000 tonnes of crude tall oil annually. 

The new CTO-plant produces softwood and hardwood tall oil obtained through sulphuric acid treatment of sulphate soap which is a by-product of the pulp cooking process. Softwood tall oil is used at Mondi Syktyvkar to mitigate pitch deposits at the digesters, while hardwood tall oil is sold to external companies dealing in petrochemical, road construction, paint and coating. In recent years, tall oil has been intensively used for biodiesel fuel production primarily in Scandinavian countries.

The state-of-the-art equipment allows for automation and online control of almost all parameters of the process and makes it possible to perform continuous production of tall oil.

“The CTO-plant was built as part of the Horizon strategic investment programme aiming at eliminating bottlenecks in pulp and paper production processes, as well as responding to the mill’s increased production capacity. Processing of by-products of the pulp production process has become one of the outcomes of the roadmap as the old plant could no longer manage growing pulp production volumes“, said Klaus Peller, Managing Director of Mondi Syktyvkar.

To properly maintain the new CTO-plant the staff have undergone specialist training. To further leverage the production potential of the new CTO-plant, additional equipment will be commissioned including a 600 m3 sulphate soap storage tank, a dispatch unit with a new bridge to load oil into rail tank cars and tank trucks as well as an additional storage tank to ensure the necessary stock of tall oil. Works for these projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020.

About Mondi Syktyvkar

Mondi Syktyvkar is a part of Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper. The mill is one of the leaders in pulp and paper industry in Russia. The company’s core business is the production of office and offset paper. It also produces newsprint, containerboard and market pulp. The most important brand of the company is the office paper “Snegurochka”.

About Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper

Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper is a business unit of Mondi Group. In six operating sites in Austria, Slovakia, Russia, and South Africa, Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper produces pulp and environmentally sound office and professional printing papers tailored  to  the  latest  professional  digital  and  offset  print  technologies.

The  company  complies  with  the  strictest international  certification  standards  to  support  sustainable  production  processes  through  the  responsible management  of  forest,  water and  air  resources.  All  Mondi  uncoated  fine  papers  belong  to  the  Green  Range  of papers that are FSC™ or PEFC™ certified, 100% recycled or bleached entirely without chlorine. Its renowned brands such as Color Copy, DNS, IQ, MAESTRO, NAUTILUS, BIO TOP 3, PERGRAPHICA, NEUJET,  Snegurochka  or  ROTATRIM  are  used  in  office  environments  on  laser  or  inkjet  printers  and  by professional  printers  on  digital  or  offset  presses  to  create  brochures,  transactional  material,  folders,  invitations, business cards, letterheads or other high-impact communication. Converters appreciate the excellent printability and smooth handling of Mondi’s professional printing papers.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is fully integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer- centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.66 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited. Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

Mondi Syktyvkar commissions new crude tall oil plant at its Syktyvkar pulp and paper mill in Russia

Posted in: Mills 07/10/2020 - 07:33

VIENNA, Austria, July 10, 2020 (Press Release) -Mondi, global leader in packaging and paper, has commissioned a crude tall oil plant (CTO-plant) at its Syktyvkar pulp and paper mill. The new equipment allows processing of all sulphate soap generated as a by-product of the pulp production process in the mill. As a result of this investment, the mill will be able to produce up to around 40,000 tonnes of crude tall oil annually. 

The new CTO-plant produces softwood and hardwood tall oil obtained through sulphuric acid treatment of sulphate soap which is a by-product of the pulp cooking process. Softwood tall oil is used at Mondi Syktyvkar to mitigate pitch deposits at the digesters, while hardwood tall oil is sold to external companies dealing in petrochemical, road construction, paint and coating. In recent years, tall oil has been intensively used for biodiesel fuel production primarily in Scandinavian countries.

The state-of-the-art equipment allows for automation and online control of almost all parameters of the process and makes it possible to perform continuous production of tall oil.

“The CTO-plant was built as part of the Horizon strategic investment programme aiming at eliminating bottlenecks in pulp and paper production processes, as well as responding to the mill’s increased production capacity. Processing of by-products of the pulp production process has become one of the outcomes of the roadmap as the old plant could no longer manage growing pulp production volumes“, said Klaus Peller, Managing Director of Mondi Syktyvkar.

To properly maintain the new CTO-plant the staff have undergone specialist training. To further leverage the production potential of the new CTO-plant, additional equipment will be commissioned including a 600 m3 sulphate soap storage tank, a dispatch unit with a new bridge to load oil into rail tank cars and tank trucks as well as an additional storage tank to ensure the necessary stock of tall oil. Works for these projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020.

About Mondi Syktyvkar

Mondi Syktyvkar is a part of Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper. The mill is one of the leaders in pulp and paper industry in Russia. The company’s core business is the production of office and offset paper. It also produces newsprint, containerboard and market pulp. The most important brand of the company is the office paper “Snegurochka”.

About Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper

Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper is a business unit of Mondi Group. In six operating sites in Austria, Slovakia, Russia, and South Africa, Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper produces pulp and environmentally sound office and professional printing papers tailored  to  the  latest  professional  digital  and  offset  print  technologies.

The  company  complies  with  the  strictest international  certification  standards  to  support  sustainable  production  processes  through  the  responsible management  of  forest,  water and  air  resources.  All  Mondi  uncoated  fine  papers  belong  to  the  Green  Range  of papers that are FSC™ or PEFC™ certified, 100% recycled or bleached entirely without chlorine. Its renowned brands such as Color Copy, DNS, IQ, MAESTRO, NAUTILUS, BIO TOP 3, PERGRAPHICA, NEUJET,  Snegurochka  or  ROTATRIM  are  used  in  office  environments  on  laser  or  inkjet  printers  and  by professional  printers  on  digital  or  offset  presses  to  create  brochures,  transactional  material,  folders,  invitations, business cards, letterheads or other high-impact communication. Converters appreciate the excellent printability and smooth handling of Mondi’s professional printing papers.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is fully integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer- centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.66 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited. Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

Read more

VIENNA, Austria, July 10, 2020 (Press Release) -Mondi, global leader in packaging and paper, has commissioned a crude tall oil plant (CTO-plant) at its Syktyvkar pulp and paper mill. The new equipment allows processing of all sulphate soap generated as a by-product of the pulp production process in the mill. As a result of this investment, the mill will be able to produce up to around 40,000 tonnes of crude tall oil annually. 

The new CTO-plant produces softwood and hardwood tall oil obtained through sulphuric acid treatment of sulphate soap which is a by-product of the pulp cooking process. Softwood tall oil is used at Mondi Syktyvkar to mitigate pitch deposits at the digesters, while hardwood tall oil is sold to external companies dealing in petrochemical, road construction, paint and coating. In recent years, tall oil has been intensively used for biodiesel fuel production primarily in Scandinavian countries.

The state-of-the-art equipment allows for automation and online control of almost all parameters of the process and makes it possible to perform continuous production of tall oil.

“The CTO-plant was built as part of the Horizon strategic investment programme aiming at eliminating bottlenecks in pulp and paper production processes, as well as responding to the mill’s increased production capacity. Processing of by-products of the pulp production process has become one of the outcomes of the roadmap as the old plant could no longer manage growing pulp production volumes“, said Klaus Peller, Managing Director of Mondi Syktyvkar.

To properly maintain the new CTO-plant the staff have undergone specialist training. To further leverage the production potential of the new CTO-plant, additional equipment will be commissioned including a 600 m3 sulphate soap storage tank, a dispatch unit with a new bridge to load oil into rail tank cars and tank trucks as well as an additional storage tank to ensure the necessary stock of tall oil. Works for these projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020.

About Mondi Syktyvkar

Mondi Syktyvkar is a part of Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper. The mill is one of the leaders in pulp and paper industry in Russia. The company’s core business is the production of office and offset paper. It also produces newsprint, containerboard and market pulp. The most important brand of the company is the office paper “Snegurochka”.

About Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper

Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper is a business unit of Mondi Group. In six operating sites in Austria, Slovakia, Russia, and South Africa, Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper produces pulp and environmentally sound office and professional printing papers tailored  to  the  latest  professional  digital  and  offset  print  technologies.

The  company  complies  with  the  strictest international  certification  standards  to  support  sustainable  production  processes  through  the  responsible management  of  forest,  water and  air  resources.  All  Mondi  uncoated  fine  papers  belong  to  the  Green  Range  of papers that are FSC™ or PEFC™ certified, 100% recycled or bleached entirely without chlorine. Its renowned brands such as Color Copy, DNS, IQ, MAESTRO, NAUTILUS, BIO TOP 3, PERGRAPHICA, NEUJET,  Snegurochka  or  ROTATRIM  are  used  in  office  environments  on  laser  or  inkjet  printers  and  by professional  printers  on  digital  or  offset  presses  to  create  brochures,  transactional  material,  folders,  invitations, business cards, letterheads or other high-impact communication. Converters appreciate the excellent printability and smooth handling of Mondi’s professional printing papers.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is fully integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer- centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.66 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited. Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

Mondi Syktyvkar commissions new crude tall oil plant at its Syktyvkar pulp and paper mill in Russia

Posted in: Mills 07/10/2020 - 07:33

VIENNA, Austria, July 10, 2020 (Press Release) -Mondi, global leader in packaging and paper, has commissioned a crude tall oil plant (CTO-plant) at its Syktyvkar pulp and paper mill. The new equipment allows processing of all sulphate soap generated as a by-product of the pulp production process in the mill. As a result of this investment, the mill will be able to produce up to around 40,000 tonnes of crude tall oil annually. 

The new CTO-plant produces softwood and hardwood tall oil obtained through sulphuric acid treatment of sulphate soap which is a by-product of the pulp cooking process. Softwood tall oil is used at Mondi Syktyvkar to mitigate pitch deposits at the digesters, while hardwood tall oil is sold to external companies dealing in petrochemical, road construction, paint and coating. In recent years, tall oil has been intensively used for biodiesel fuel production primarily in Scandinavian countries.

The state-of-the-art equipment allows for automation and online control of almost all parameters of the process and makes it possible to perform continuous production of tall oil.

“The CTO-plant was built as part of the Horizon strategic investment programme aiming at eliminating bottlenecks in pulp and paper production processes, as well as responding to the mill’s increased production capacity. Processing of by-products of the pulp production process has become one of the outcomes of the roadmap as the old plant could no longer manage growing pulp production volumes“, said Klaus Peller, Managing Director of Mondi Syktyvkar.

To properly maintain the new CTO-plant the staff have undergone specialist training. To further leverage the production potential of the new CTO-plant, additional equipment will be commissioned including a 600 m3 sulphate soap storage tank, a dispatch unit with a new bridge to load oil into rail tank cars and tank trucks as well as an additional storage tank to ensure the necessary stock of tall oil. Works for these projects are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2020.

About Mondi Syktyvkar

Mondi Syktyvkar is a part of Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper. The mill is one of the leaders in pulp and paper industry in Russia. The company’s core business is the production of office and offset paper. It also produces newsprint, containerboard and market pulp. The most important brand of the company is the office paper “Snegurochka”.

About Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper

Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper is a business unit of Mondi Group. In six operating sites in Austria, Slovakia, Russia, and South Africa, Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper produces pulp and environmentally sound office and professional printing papers tailored  to  the  latest  professional  digital  and  offset  print  technologies.

The  company  complies  with  the  strictest international  certification  standards  to  support  sustainable  production  processes  through  the  responsible management  of  forest,  water and  air  resources.  All  Mondi  uncoated  fine  papers  belong  to  the  Green  Range  of papers that are FSC™ or PEFC™ certified, 100% recycled or bleached entirely without chlorine. Its renowned brands such as Color Copy, DNS, IQ, MAESTRO, NAUTILUS, BIO TOP 3, PERGRAPHICA, NEUJET,  Snegurochka  or  ROTATRIM  are  used  in  office  environments  on  laser  or  inkjet  printers  and  by professional  printers  on  digital  or  offset  presses  to  create  brochures,  transactional  material,  folders,  invitations, business cards, letterheads or other high-impact communication. Converters appreciate the excellent printability and smooth handling of Mondi’s professional printing papers.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is fully integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer- centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.66 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited. Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

Read more
    VIENNA, Austria, July 9, 2020 (Press Release) -
  • Mondi Consumer Flexibles set to enhance its printing & extrusion capabilities across plants in Aramil and Pereslavl while also improving service and flexibility to customers in Russia
  • Mondi to increase rotogravure volumes by adding a machine at Mondi Pereslavl in the first quarter of 2021
  • Mondi Aramil will install a nine-layer co-extrusion line to produce high-barrier films by the end of 2020
  • Mondi will also expand its offering of sustainable products for the confectionary, food, dry and wet pet food markets

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is investing in its flexible packaging plants, in Aramil and Pereslavl in Russia, to provide customers with improved flexibility and a broader portfolio, including sustainable packaging solutions.

Mondi Consumer Flexibles Russia will bolster its rotogravure capacities by adding a new machine in Mondi Pereslavl. The machine will be installed by the first quarter of 2021, and will expand Mondi’s printing capacities and improve contingency planning for customer orders. This investment, along with Aramil’s added focus on flexographic printing, will meet demand from major FMCG and other customers while providing shorter lead times for delivery. Pereslavl will also offer flexographic printing for customers alongside their newly increased rotogravure capacity.

To meet rising demand in Russia for sustainable packaging for the confectionary, food and dry and wet pet food markets, Mondi will broaden the range of competitive packaging solutions. The plant in Aramil will also install a nine-layer co-extrusion line to produce high-barrier films by the end of 2020. This updated product portfolio will offer a range from mono-materials to multi-layer high-barrier laminates, many of which already meet current sustainability criteria, such as recyclability.

“Russia is an important region for Mondi, which is why we have integrated the supply between both Aramil and Pereslavl, now called Consumer Flexibles Russia. Offering flexibility as well as products that are sustainable by design are a top priority for this region. We look forward to working with our customers to provide them with the best solutions for their packaging requirements and sustainability needs.” explains Peter Orisich, CEO of Mondi Flexible Packaging.

The new capabilities and portfolio will be available for customers during the first quarter of 2021.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative, packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is fully integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films, to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer- centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.66 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited. Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

Mondi Consumer Flexibles to expand printing capacity and portfolio offering in Aramil and Pereslavl, Russia

Posted in: Packaging Technology 07/09/2020 - 05:24
    VIENNA, Austria, July 9, 2020 (Press Release) -
  • Mondi Consumer Flexibles set to enhance its printing & extrusion capabilities across plants in Aramil and Pereslavl while also improving service and flexibility to customers in Russia
  • Mondi to increase rotogravure volumes by adding a machine at Mondi Pereslavl in the first quarter of 2021
  • Mondi Aramil will install a nine-layer co-extrusion line to produce high-barrier films by the end of 2020
  • Mondi will also expand its offering of sustainable products for the confectionary, food, dry and wet pet food markets

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is investing in its flexible packaging plants, in Aramil and Pereslavl in Russia, to provide customers with improved flexibility and a broader portfolio, including sustainable packaging solutions.

Mondi Consumer Flexibles Russia will bolster its rotogravure capacities by adding a new machine in Mondi Pereslavl. The machine will be installed by the first quarter of 2021, and will expand Mondi’s printing capacities and improve contingency planning for customer orders. This investment, along with Aramil’s added focus on flexographic printing, will meet demand from major FMCG and other customers while providing shorter lead times for delivery. Pereslavl will also offer flexographic printing for customers alongside their newly increased rotogravure capacity.

To meet rising demand in Russia for sustainable packaging for the confectionary, food and dry and wet pet food markets, Mondi will broaden the range of competitive packaging solutions. The plant in Aramil will also install a nine-layer co-extrusion line to produce high-barrier films by the end of 2020. This updated product portfolio will offer a range from mono-materials to multi-layer high-barrier laminates, many of which already meet current sustainability criteria, such as recyclability.

“Russia is an important region for Mondi, which is why we have integrated the supply between both Aramil and Pereslavl, now called Consumer Flexibles Russia. Offering flexibility as well as products that are sustainable by design are a top priority for this region. We look forward to working with our customers to provide them with the best solutions for their packaging requirements and sustainability needs.” explains Peter Orisich, CEO of Mondi Flexible Packaging.

The new capabilities and portfolio will be available for customers during the first quarter of 2021.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative, packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is fully integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films, to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer- centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.66 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange, and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited. Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

Read more

VIENNA, Austria, July 1, 2020 (Press Release) -Mondi, leading global packaging and paper group, won five awards for its innovative and sustainable designs at the 2020 WorldStar Packaging Awards. This year’s award ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19, so Mondi’s designers are sharing their insights on the thinking behind their design packaging.

Designers and the award-winning products:

  • Herbert Reitbrugger, UpliftBox in the Household category from Mondi Corrugated Solutions Grünburg, Germany
  • Marco Rammler, DashV1Box in the Transit category from Mondi Corrugated Solutions Ansbach, Germany
  • Eva Hrychova, Stabilization Box in the Other category from Mondi Corrugated Solutions Bupak s.r.o, Czech Republic
  • Nadja Nickel, Sales Manager for Protector Bags in the Transit category from Mondi Paper Bags and aPak, a Swedish Packaging dealer
  • Jens Koesters, StripPouch in the Household category from the German cleaning products maker Werner & Mertz and Mondi Consumer Flexibles

Giving unboxing a lift

The UpliftBox, designed by Herbert Reitbrugger at our Corrugated Solutions plant in Grünburg, Austria, assures an uplifting experience for the end-user because of how tractive force is applied when opening the box. “End-users were working very hard to unbox goods, and we knew there was a better way and experience so we started to work on developing a mechanism to address this issue. I am lucky to be part of an experienced and creative team who is always looking for ways to improve the end-user’s experience. Following further research, we came up with the Mondi UpliftBox, which will bring the unboxing experience for customers to a new level – literally, as the goods will be lifted up within the box.”

Reducing processing times and improving protection

Marco Rammler, from the Corrugated Solutions plant in Ansbach, Germany designed the DashV1Box –packaging for automotive dashboards. The packaging solution uses 100% corrugated material instead of plastic and its innovative design has reduced processing costs by a third, and quality complaints by 80%. Previously, packaging for dashboards involved 30 different types of packaging, including foam which is no longer required.  “Our client came to us with the request to develop new ‘universal packaging’ for instrument panels. Our aim was to develop a packaging solution that consisted of up to 100% cardboard, that is recyclable and suitable for all types of automotive components," said Marco Rammler.

More stability and cooling during transport for sensitive food products

Eva Hrychova, from Mondi's Corrugated Solutions team in Bupak, Czech Republic, designed the Stabilization Box which is a perforated interlay tray, made from three-layer corrugated board to protect food during transport. “We wanted to meet our customers' needs for a stabilizing solution which would reinforce the pallet block in which their product is transported in and prevent boxes from shifting into the middle and at the same time does not obstruct the airway that secures cooling for the delicate food products," said Eva Hrychova.

Flexible protection for automotive parts

ProtectorBags, made by Mondi Trebsen, Germany won the WorldStar Award in the Transit category. These paper bags replaced a reusable wooden box and plastic foam wrapping, providing protection for sensitive painted car panels, while reducing transport space and saving time while packing the panels, therefore optimising logistics in the automotive industry.

"The market, as well as the needs of Mondi’s customers, are changing fast. The automotive industry is especially innovative. As more new electric vehicles are produced, the design of the cars change quickly, as does the shape of the parts that have to be packed. We are always focused on providing the best solution to our customers, understanding their needs, expectations, and bringing new innovations to the market place,” said Nadja Nickel, sales manager for ProtectorBags.

100% recyclability for household cleaning

StripPouch won the WorldStar Award in the Household category. The plants Halle and Steinfeld produce this innovation, which was designed in collaboration with the company Werner & Mertz’s Frosch brand. Jens Koesters, Manager Technical Service, of Mondi Consumer Flexibles was one of the innovative designers behind the pouch for Mondi, who has seen the role of innovation for sustainable solutions take on new importance. “A few years ago, our focus and passion moved to recyclable and responsible packaging solutions.  I would even say that today it is far more important to continue with innovations as it was in year’s past. Today we have a mandate to protect the environment.” The new pouch is 100% recyclable and uses approximately 70% less material than rigid plastic bottles that hold the same volume and is used for Frosch's brand detergent products. The StripPouch is one of Mondi´s first packaging solutions developed using Mondi’s EcoSolutions approach, which supports customer’s to reach their sustainability goals executing sustainable and innovative packaging ideas.

World Star Awards Ceremony

The competition is one of the major events held by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and rewards outstanding achievements in packaging innovation. The focus is on sustainable packaging solutions that achieve convenience for the end-user through innovation. The winners were announced in December 2019. The award ceremony would have taken place at interpack 2020 in May, but due to COVID-19 it was postponed.

Mondi wins five awards for its innovative and sustainable designs at 2020 WorldStar Packaging Awards

Posted in: Packaging Technology 07/01/2020 - 10:48

VIENNA, Austria, July 1, 2020 (Press Release) -Mondi, leading global packaging and paper group, won five awards for its innovative and sustainable designs at the 2020 WorldStar Packaging Awards. This year’s award ceremony was cancelled due to COVID-19, so Mondi’s designers are sharing their insights on the thinking behind their design packaging.

Designers and the award-winning products:

  • Herbert Reitbrugger, UpliftBox in the Household category from Mondi Corrugated Solutions Grünburg, Germany
  • Marco Rammler, DashV1Box in the Transit category from Mondi Corrugated Solutions Ansbach, Germany
  • Eva Hrychova, Stabilization Box in the Other category from Mondi Corrugated Solutions Bupak s.r.o, Czech Republic
  • Nadja Nickel, Sales Manager for Protector Bags in the Transit category from Mondi Paper Bags and aPak, a Swedish Packaging dealer
  • Jens Koesters, StripPouch in the Household category from the German cleaning products maker Werner & Mertz and Mondi Consumer Flexibles

Giving unboxing a lift

The UpliftBox, designed by Herbert Reitbrugger at our Corrugated Solutions plant in Grünburg, Austria, assures an uplifting experience for the end-user because of how tractive force is applied when opening the box. “End-users were working very hard to unbox goods, and we knew there was a better way and experience so we started to work on developing a mechanism to address this issue. I am lucky to be part of an experienced and creative team who is always looking for ways to improve the end-user’s experience. Following further research, we came up with the Mondi UpliftBox, which will bring the unboxing experience for customers to a new level – literally, as the goods will be lifted up within the box.”

Reducing processing times and improving protection

Marco Rammler, from the Corrugated Solutions plant in Ansbach, Germany designed the DashV1Box –packaging for automotive dashboards. The packaging solution uses 100% corrugated material instead of plastic and its innovative design has reduced processing costs by a third, and quality complaints by 80%. Previously, packaging for dashboards involved 30 different types of packaging, including foam which is no longer required.  “Our client came to us with the request to develop new ‘universal packaging’ for instrument panels. Our aim was to develop a packaging solution that consisted of up to 100% cardboard, that is recyclable and suitable for all types of automotive components," said Marco Rammler.

More stability and cooling during transport for sensitive food products

Eva Hrychova, from Mondi's Corrugated Solutions team in Bupak, Czech Republic, designed the Stabilization Box which is a perforated interlay tray, made from three-layer corrugated board to protect food during transport. “We wanted to meet our customers' needs for a stabilizing solution which would reinforce the pallet block in which their product is transported in and prevent boxes from shifting into the middle and at the same time does not obstruct the airway that secures cooling for the delicate food products," said Eva Hrychova.

Flexible protection for automotive parts

ProtectorBags, made by Mondi Trebsen, Germany won the WorldStar Award in the Transit category. These paper bags replaced a reusable wooden box and plastic foam wrapping, providing protection for sensitive painted car panels, while reducing transport space and saving time while packing the panels, therefore optimising logistics in the automotive industry.

"The market, as well as the needs of Mondi’s customers, are changing fast. The automotive industry is especially innovative. As more new electric vehicles are produced, the design of the cars change quickly, as does the shape of the parts that have to be packed. We are always focused on providing the best solution to our customers, understanding their needs, expectations, and bringing new innovations to the market place,” said Nadja Nickel, sales manager for ProtectorBags.

100% recyclability for household cleaning

StripPouch won the WorldStar Award in the Household category. The plants Halle and Steinfeld produce this innovation, which was designed in collaboration with the company Werner & Mertz’s Frosch brand. Jens Koesters, Manager Technical Service, of Mondi Consumer Flexibles was one of the innovative designers behind the pouch for Mondi, who has seen the role of innovation for sustainable solutions take on new importance. “A few years ago, our focus and passion moved to recyclable and responsible packaging solutions.  I would even say that today it is far more important to continue with innovations as it was in year’s past. Today we have a mandate to protect the environment.” The new pouch is 100% recyclable and uses approximately 70% less material than rigid plastic bottles that hold the same volume and is used for Frosch's brand detergent products. The StripPouch is one of Mondi´s first packaging solutions developed using Mondi’s EcoSolutions approach, which supports customer’s to reach their sustainability goals executing sustainable and innovative packaging ideas.

World Star Awards Ceremony

The competition is one of the major events held by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and rewards outstanding achievements in packaging innovation. The focus is on sustainable packaging solutions that achieve convenience for the end-user through innovation. The winners were announced in December 2019. The award ceremony would have taken place at interpack 2020 in May, but due to COVID-19 it was postponed.

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    VIENNA, Austria, June 30, 2020 (Press Release) -
  • New €7 million investment in state-of-the-art paper sack converting machine at Mondi's plant in Nyíregyháza, Hungary
  • The machine will increase the plant’s quality, efficiency and service standards to produce high-end and sophisticated paper sacks for food purposes
  • The investment will see 130 million paper sacks produced annually
  • Mondi Nyíregyháza is in the process of seeking certification from HACCP to serve the food, feed, and seed industries

Mondi, leading global packaging and paper group, has successfully completed the implementation of a new state-of-the-art paper sack converting machine at its Nyíregyháza site in Hungary. The machine – a Windmöller & Hölscher AD 8320 / AM 8115 – allows the plant to produce a new line of sophisticated paper sacks for food packaging. The site will be capable of producing more than 130 million sacks annually.

The Mondi Nyíregyháza plant, which employs more than one hundred people, serves the Hungarian, Romanian, Austrian and Bulgarian market in many industries and sectors. It produces industrial paper sacks (open mouth and valve bags) for applications such as cement, building materials, food-feed-seed, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Our goal is to serve our customers’ needs with excellence, so we focused on increasing the plant’s quality and hygiene standard to be able to produce high-end and sophisticated paper sacks for food. This investment means we are able to enhance our operational efficiency, as well as offering shorter delivery times to our customers. Our ambition to open this line did not diminish despite the beginning of the health pandemic. Working with revised health and safety measures in place, I am very proud of my team's determination to execute this project and deliver this complex product portfolio.

Péter Szabó, Managing Director, Mondi Bags Hungária

Due to this €7 million investment, the entire layout and set-up of the Nyíregyháza plant was re-designed in four months, including the storage area, printer area, warehouse, and ink kitchen to increase operational efficiency and safety.

The plant is now in the process of seeking the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification by the end of this year in order to serve the food, feed and seed industry with sacks that meet their high quality and hygiene standards.

About Mondi Paper Bags

Mondi Paper Bags, a business segment of Mondi Group, is the leading international producer of industrial paper bags selling more than 5 billion bags per year. Thanks to its broad range of bag specifications, Mondi Paper Bags serves major industries including cement and building materials, chemicals, food, feed and seed. The business segment operates a dense sales and service network, the specialised filling equipment department Natro Tech, as well as its Bag Application Centre, where researchers develop and test innovative packaging solutions.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative, packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is fully integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films, to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer- centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.66 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP). Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

Mondi completes implementation of its new Euro 7 million state-of-the-art paper sack converting machine at its site in Nyíregyháza, Hungary

Posted in: Packaging Technology 06/30/2020 - 06:30
    VIENNA, Austria, June 30, 2020 (Press Release) -
  • New €7 million investment in state-of-the-art paper sack converting machine at Mondi's plant in Nyíregyháza, Hungary
  • The machine will increase the plant’s quality, efficiency and service standards to produce high-end and sophisticated paper sacks for food purposes
  • The investment will see 130 million paper sacks produced annually
  • Mondi Nyíregyháza is in the process of seeking certification from HACCP to serve the food, feed, and seed industries

Mondi, leading global packaging and paper group, has successfully completed the implementation of a new state-of-the-art paper sack converting machine at its Nyíregyháza site in Hungary. The machine – a Windmöller & Hölscher AD 8320 / AM 8115 – allows the plant to produce a new line of sophisticated paper sacks for food packaging. The site will be capable of producing more than 130 million sacks annually.

The Mondi Nyíregyháza plant, which employs more than one hundred people, serves the Hungarian, Romanian, Austrian and Bulgarian market in many industries and sectors. It produces industrial paper sacks (open mouth and valve bags) for applications such as cement, building materials, food-feed-seed, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Our goal is to serve our customers’ needs with excellence, so we focused on increasing the plant’s quality and hygiene standard to be able to produce high-end and sophisticated paper sacks for food. This investment means we are able to enhance our operational efficiency, as well as offering shorter delivery times to our customers. Our ambition to open this line did not diminish despite the beginning of the health pandemic. Working with revised health and safety measures in place, I am very proud of my team's determination to execute this project and deliver this complex product portfolio.

Péter Szabó, Managing Director, Mondi Bags Hungária

Due to this €7 million investment, the entire layout and set-up of the Nyíregyháza plant was re-designed in four months, including the storage area, printer area, warehouse, and ink kitchen to increase operational efficiency and safety.

The plant is now in the process of seeking the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification by the end of this year in order to serve the food, feed and seed industry with sacks that meet their high quality and hygiene standards.

About Mondi Paper Bags

Mondi Paper Bags, a business segment of Mondi Group, is the leading international producer of industrial paper bags selling more than 5 billion bags per year. Thanks to its broad range of bag specifications, Mondi Paper Bags serves major industries including cement and building materials, chemicals, food, feed and seed. The business segment operates a dense sales and service network, the specialised filling equipment department Natro Tech, as well as its Bag Application Centre, where researchers develop and test innovative packaging solutions.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative, packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is fully integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films, to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer- centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.66 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP). Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.

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MADRID, Spain, June 22, 2020 (Press Release) -Ence is one of the founding members of the new #GreenSource pulp industry initiative together with other members of EPIS, the European Pulp Industry Sector, and CEPI, The Confederation of European Paper Industries. The new industry initiative aims to raise positive awareness about wood fibre-based products and the industry’s actions against the climate change.

“The #GreenSource campaign focuses on increasing the understanding of wood fibre as a renewable raw material and the source replacing fossil materials. We also want to call attention to how the pulp industry provides solutions to the global climate change,” says Anna Maija Wessman, Secretary General, EPIS. “We want to tell about our renewable raw material – the green source, our responsible industry and our climate-friendly wood fibre-based raw materials being at the heart of circular economy.”

A firm commitment to this fiber is necessary as a sustainable alternative to plastic and other petroleum products, thus contributing to change the consumption model of society and offering other alternatives that are renewable and have a lower carbon footprint. With great potential yet to be explored, this natural fiber is a sustainable alternative that promotes stable and quality employment, manufactured with local raw materials which means it contributes in the development of the forestry sector and rural employment fixation.

EPIS member companies are Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Altri, Arauco, Burgo Ardennes, BillerudKorsnäs, CMPC, Eldorado Brasil, Ence, Heinzel Group, Klabin, Mercer, Metsä Fibre, Mondi, Navigator, SCA, Stora Enso, Suzano, Södra and UPM.

Ence joins #GreenSource campaign to promote positive awareness about wood fibre-based products

Posted in: Mills 06/24/2020 - 08:38

MADRID, Spain, June 22, 2020 (Press Release) -Ence is one of the founding members of the new #GreenSource pulp industry initiative together with other members of EPIS, the European Pulp Industry Sector, and CEPI, The Confederation of European Paper Industries. The new industry initiative aims to raise positive awareness about wood fibre-based products and the industry’s actions against the climate change.

“The #GreenSource campaign focuses on increasing the understanding of wood fibre as a renewable raw material and the source replacing fossil materials. We also want to call attention to how the pulp industry provides solutions to the global climate change,” says Anna Maija Wessman, Secretary General, EPIS. “We want to tell about our renewable raw material – the green source, our responsible industry and our climate-friendly wood fibre-based raw materials being at the heart of circular economy.”

A firm commitment to this fiber is necessary as a sustainable alternative to plastic and other petroleum products, thus contributing to change the consumption model of society and offering other alternatives that are renewable and have a lower carbon footprint. With great potential yet to be explored, this natural fiber is a sustainable alternative that promotes stable and quality employment, manufactured with local raw materials which means it contributes in the development of the forestry sector and rural employment fixation.

EPIS member companies are Ahlstrom-Munksjö, Altri, Arauco, Burgo Ardennes, BillerudKorsnäs, CMPC, Eldorado Brasil, Ence, Heinzel Group, Klabin, Mercer, Metsä Fibre, Mondi, Navigator, SCA, Stora Enso, Suzano, Södra and UPM.

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HELSINKI, June 23, 2020 (Press Release) -Global chemicals company Kemira has joined the 4evergreen alliance, an initiative of Cepi, the European association representing the paper industry. The alliance aims to boost the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy, minimizing climate and environmental impact.

“This is a unique alliance as it truly gathers the whole end-to-end packaging value chain around the same table for the first time. Consumer and regulatory pressures as well as brand owners’ sustainability pledges are reflected on the paper and board producers’ and packaging converters’ agenda. Ambitious goals have been set for renewability and recyclablity of packaging and for the shift away from fossil-based raw materials. As a chemical supplier to the industry, we work toward the same goals. At Kemira, we've just launched a new bio-based sizing chemistry to increase the water-resistance of paper and board, for example. We are also working to replace plastics and fluorochemicals used in food packaging. It is imperative to collaborate for greater impact,” says Mats Berg, Director for Global Business Development at Kemira.

Kemira is a global chemicals company serving customers in water intensive industries. We provide best suited products and expertise to improve our customers’ product quality, process and resource efficiency. Our focus is on pulp & paper, oil & gas and water treatment. In 2019, Kemira had annual revenue of around EUR 2.7 billion and over 5,000 employees. Kemira shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.

4evergreen alliance is an initiative of Cepi, the European association representing the paper industry. The following organizations actively participate in the alliance: 

Ahlstrom Munksjö, Amcor, AR Packaging, Aspapel, Baumer hhs GmbH, BillerudKorsnäs, Borregaard, Burgo, Cardbox Packaging, Citeo, CTP, Danone, DS Smith, Elopak, FH Campus Wien, Fostplus, Graphic Packaging International, Heinzel Group, Holmen, Huhtamäki, IKEA, International Paper, Kellogg’s, Kemira, Koehler, Kotkamills, Leonhard Kurz Stiftung &Co. KG, MARS , Mayr-Melnhof Group, Metsä Board, Michelman, Mondi, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Reno de Medici, Sappi, SCA, Schur Group, SEDA, SIG, Smurfit Kappa, Sonoco, Stora Enso, Tetra Pak, Tomra, UPM, Valmet, Van Genechten Packaging Group, VTT, Walki, WestRock Group.

Kemira joins 4evergreen alliance to promote fiber-based packaging in circular economy

Posted in: Mills 06/23/2020 - 07:34

HELSINKI, June 23, 2020 (Press Release) -Global chemicals company Kemira has joined the 4evergreen alliance, an initiative of Cepi, the European association representing the paper industry. The alliance aims to boost the contribution of fibre-based packaging in a circular and sustainable economy, minimizing climate and environmental impact.

“This is a unique alliance as it truly gathers the whole end-to-end packaging value chain around the same table for the first time. Consumer and regulatory pressures as well as brand owners’ sustainability pledges are reflected on the paper and board producers’ and packaging converters’ agenda. Ambitious goals have been set for renewability and recyclablity of packaging and for the shift away from fossil-based raw materials. As a chemical supplier to the industry, we work toward the same goals. At Kemira, we've just launched a new bio-based sizing chemistry to increase the water-resistance of paper and board, for example. We are also working to replace plastics and fluorochemicals used in food packaging. It is imperative to collaborate for greater impact,” says Mats Berg, Director for Global Business Development at Kemira.

Kemira is a global chemicals company serving customers in water intensive industries. We provide best suited products and expertise to improve our customers’ product quality, process and resource efficiency. Our focus is on pulp & paper, oil & gas and water treatment. In 2019, Kemira had annual revenue of around EUR 2.7 billion and over 5,000 employees. Kemira shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.

4evergreen alliance is an initiative of Cepi, the European association representing the paper industry. The following organizations actively participate in the alliance: 

Ahlstrom Munksjö, Amcor, AR Packaging, Aspapel, Baumer hhs GmbH, BillerudKorsnäs, Borregaard, Burgo, Cardbox Packaging, Citeo, CTP, Danone, DS Smith, Elopak, FH Campus Wien, Fostplus, Graphic Packaging International, Heinzel Group, Holmen, Huhtamäki, IKEA, International Paper, Kellogg’s, Kemira, Koehler, Kotkamills, Leonhard Kurz Stiftung &Co. KG, MARS , Mayr-Melnhof Group, Metsä Board, Michelman, Mondi, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Reno de Medici, Sappi, SCA, Schur Group, SEDA, SIG, Smurfit Kappa, Sonoco, Stora Enso, Tetra Pak, Tomra, UPM, Valmet, Van Genechten Packaging Group, VTT, Walki, WestRock Group.

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VIENNA, Austria, June 10, 2020 (Press Release) -The global packaging and paper group Mondi is contributing to a better world, with innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, and proving that non-recyclable plastic can increasingly be replaced by paper.

Buying vegetables directly from farmers, flying less, using less water – an increasing number of consumers are living more sustainable lives, and at the same time expect companies to offer them sustainable options, according to a recent study by market intelligence agency Mintel.

“As we move towards 2030, companies will transition towards zero emissions, consumers will become more environmentally conscious, natural resources will become ever more threatened. There is a great opportunity here for society to ask the right questions and for businesses, governments and civil society to take positive, impactful action to address the climate crisis.”

Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant at Mintel

Paper where possible, plastic when useful

Mondi is firmly committed to these objectives and has been meeting its customers' evolving needs with innovative packaging and paper solutions for many years. The Group always uses paper where possible, plastic only when useful. By applying this principle, it has revolutionised the packaging market and in doing so has won numerous awards over the years, including five WorldStar Packaging Awards in 2020. Thanks to Mondi, products for which paper packaging used to be considered unsuitable have been liberated from plastic, or the plastic content has been reduced to a minimum, thereby creating more sustainable options. The contents stay fresh and dry, and the packaging is recyclable.

Longer life cycle

EcoSolutions is Mondi's customer centric approach to replace less sustainable packaging, reduce raw material usage, and design packaging which is ready to recycle. The result is to create bespoke solutions ensuring that customers can deliver on their sustainable packaging commitments.  “Based on each customer’s sustainability goals, we determine which packaging is the most sustainable solution for achieving them,” explains Markus Gärtner, CEO Corrugated Packaging at Mondi. “Optimisation of the packaging material plays a key role in that process.”

A good example is the sliced organic hayflower cheese sold by Austrian supermarkets Billa, Merkur, ADEG and Sutterlüty. Instead of using plastic packaging this has now been replaced by natural-brown paper trays which are produced at one of Mondi’s Austrian plants using wood mainly from domestic sources. They re-enter the materials cycle in the form of waste paper, as they are comprised of 80% virgin fibre and only 20% plastic. Relative to conventional plastic packaging, plastic usage is reduced by 70%, and the carbon footprint is reduced by around two-thirds.

Strong, multiple-use paper bags

Gärtner is especially proud of Mondi’s paper bags with up to 80% recycled content, which are popular among supermarkets and clothing stores. “One of our slogans is ‘Let’s paper the world’, and true to that claim we’re the world’s only paper producer to have equipped an entire paper machine solely for this production,” he points out.

One such bag can be found in the fruit and vegetable section of many Austrian and Swiss supermarkets. “The reason consumers prefer plastic-based bags is clear: they don’t allow moisture to penetrate to the outside,” notes Gärtner. “So it’s up to us as a company to offer a sustainable solution. Our answer is the EcoComp bag, which is made of a water-repellent, air-permeable paper.”

This paper bag absorbs moisture, (for example if a fruit gets squashed); at the same time, the bag allows air to circulate, thereby preventing mould. Once the fruit has been eaten, the bag can be used as a rubbish bag for biodegradable waste. In Sweden these bags can already be disposed of along with household waste. “Waste management services in Sweden accept our paper and compost the bags along with biodegradable waste. It’s an excellent example of a multiple-use product for the circular economy,” says Gärtner.

Sustainability is part of Mondi’s DNA

Mondi is fully integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. “At Mondi, sustainability is firmly embedded in all areas of our business model,” says Gärtner. “It isn’t just the products themselves: our paper mills are electricity self-sufficient, with surpluses fed into local electricity networks. In paper production, two-thirds of the energy consumed is from renewable sources, mostly from biomass, which arises as part of the production processes anyway. We’re well ahead of our competitors in that respect.”

“In design too, Mondi is focused on sustainability. “We focus on our customers’ sustainability goals,” emphasises Gärtner. At all its major sites, Mondi has set up design centres where it collaborates closely with customers on a product’s exact requirements. “We strive to offer a range of solutions which meet the specifications, while ensuring that material usage is as low as possible thanks to our  sophisticated designs. This approach is proving very popular with our customers.”

Markus Gärtner, CEO Corrugated Packaging at Mondi

Of note, we developed a fully recyclable, flexible plastic-based bag with detachable printed panels, developed in a joint effort with cleaning and care products company Werner & Mertz. Once the bag is empty, the decorative panels can be removed from the non-printed material, which means the recycled material is nearly equivalent in quality to the original material.

“People need to feel good about using the most responsible materials possible, be that paper or plastic or new materials. This will only be achieved by having transparent information available to them and for businesses to think creatively on how to meet emerging trends and concerns.”

Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant at Mintel

Mondi’s approach to the circular economy is encapsulated in the motto ‘Replace, Reduce, Recycle’. One of the Group’s biggest challenges is ensuring that these sustainability messages are successfully conveyed to consumers. “What we need is clear, comparable facts that help explain the issues to consumers, allowing them to make their own informed decisions about more sustainable solutions,” says Gärtner. “These are messages that our industry as a whole needs to get across.”

Mondi contributes to better world with innovative and sustainable paper-based packaging solutions

Posted in: Packaging Technology 06/11/2020 - 04:53

VIENNA, Austria, June 10, 2020 (Press Release) -The global packaging and paper group Mondi is contributing to a better world, with innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, and proving that non-recyclable plastic can increasingly be replaced by paper.

Buying vegetables directly from farmers, flying less, using less water – an increasing number of consumers are living more sustainable lives, and at the same time expect companies to offer them sustainable options, according to a recent study by market intelligence agency Mintel.

“As we move towards 2030, companies will transition towards zero emissions, consumers will become more environmentally conscious, natural resources will become ever more threatened. There is a great opportunity here for society to ask the right questions and for businesses, governments and civil society to take positive, impactful action to address the climate crisis.”

Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant at Mintel

Paper where possible, plastic when useful

Mondi is firmly committed to these objectives and has been meeting its customers' evolving needs with innovative packaging and paper solutions for many years. The Group always uses paper where possible, plastic only when useful. By applying this principle, it has revolutionised the packaging market and in doing so has won numerous awards over the years, including five WorldStar Packaging Awards in 2020. Thanks to Mondi, products for which paper packaging used to be considered unsuitable have been liberated from plastic, or the plastic content has been reduced to a minimum, thereby creating more sustainable options. The contents stay fresh and dry, and the packaging is recyclable.

Longer life cycle

EcoSolutions is Mondi's customer centric approach to replace less sustainable packaging, reduce raw material usage, and design packaging which is ready to recycle. The result is to create bespoke solutions ensuring that customers can deliver on their sustainable packaging commitments.  “Based on each customer’s sustainability goals, we determine which packaging is the most sustainable solution for achieving them,” explains Markus Gärtner, CEO Corrugated Packaging at Mondi. “Optimisation of the packaging material plays a key role in that process.”

A good example is the sliced organic hayflower cheese sold by Austrian supermarkets Billa, Merkur, ADEG and Sutterlüty. Instead of using plastic packaging this has now been replaced by natural-brown paper trays which are produced at one of Mondi’s Austrian plants using wood mainly from domestic sources. They re-enter the materials cycle in the form of waste paper, as they are comprised of 80% virgin fibre and only 20% plastic. Relative to conventional plastic packaging, plastic usage is reduced by 70%, and the carbon footprint is reduced by around two-thirds.

Strong, multiple-use paper bags

Gärtner is especially proud of Mondi’s paper bags with up to 80% recycled content, which are popular among supermarkets and clothing stores. “One of our slogans is ‘Let’s paper the world’, and true to that claim we’re the world’s only paper producer to have equipped an entire paper machine solely for this production,” he points out.

One such bag can be found in the fruit and vegetable section of many Austrian and Swiss supermarkets. “The reason consumers prefer plastic-based bags is clear: they don’t allow moisture to penetrate to the outside,” notes Gärtner. “So it’s up to us as a company to offer a sustainable solution. Our answer is the EcoComp bag, which is made of a water-repellent, air-permeable paper.”

This paper bag absorbs moisture, (for example if a fruit gets squashed); at the same time, the bag allows air to circulate, thereby preventing mould. Once the fruit has been eaten, the bag can be used as a rubbish bag for biodegradable waste. In Sweden these bags can already be disposed of along with household waste. “Waste management services in Sweden accept our paper and compost the bags along with biodegradable waste. It’s an excellent example of a multiple-use product for the circular economy,” says Gärtner.

Sustainability is part of Mondi’s DNA

Mondi is fully integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. “At Mondi, sustainability is firmly embedded in all areas of our business model,” says Gärtner. “It isn’t just the products themselves: our paper mills are electricity self-sufficient, with surpluses fed into local electricity networks. In paper production, two-thirds of the energy consumed is from renewable sources, mostly from biomass, which arises as part of the production processes anyway. We’re well ahead of our competitors in that respect.”

“In design too, Mondi is focused on sustainability. “We focus on our customers’ sustainability goals,” emphasises Gärtner. At all its major sites, Mondi has set up design centres where it collaborates closely with customers on a product’s exact requirements. “We strive to offer a range of solutions which meet the specifications, while ensuring that material usage is as low as possible thanks to our  sophisticated designs. This approach is proving very popular with our customers.”

Markus Gärtner, CEO Corrugated Packaging at Mondi

Of note, we developed a fully recyclable, flexible plastic-based bag with detachable printed panels, developed in a joint effort with cleaning and care products company Werner & Mertz. Once the bag is empty, the decorative panels can be removed from the non-printed material, which means the recycled material is nearly equivalent in quality to the original material.

“People need to feel good about using the most responsible materials possible, be that paper or plastic or new materials. This will only be achieved by having transparent information available to them and for businesses to think creatively on how to meet emerging trends and concerns.”

Richard Cope, Senior Trends Consultant at Mintel

Mondi’s approach to the circular economy is encapsulated in the motto ‘Replace, Reduce, Recycle’. One of the Group’s biggest challenges is ensuring that these sustainability messages are successfully conveyed to consumers. “What we need is clear, comparable facts that help explain the issues to consumers, allowing them to make their own informed decisions about more sustainable solutions,” says Gärtner. “These are messages that our industry as a whole needs to get across.”

Read more

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