Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has announced a significant investment of €16 million in cutting-edge technology at its Solec plant in Poland. This investment enables Mondi to introduce a new packaging range called FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate, catering to the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions that contribute to a circular economy.
The FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate range is an ultra-high barrier paper-based packaging solution specifically designed for food and non-food applications, providing excellent product protection. The innovation addresses the need for environmentally friendly alternatives to unrecyclable packaging options.
This new addition complements Mondi’s existing portfolio of FunctionalBarrier Papers, which offer high-barrier paper-based packaging solutions for various food products, including dried foods and powdered milk, as well as applications in the home and personal care industry. These products require packaging that can effectively protect against water vapor and oxygen, ensuring a prolonged shelf life. Typically, achieving this level of barrier protection involves using unrecyclable solutions made of plastic or lined with aluminum. However, Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate range is engineered to be recyclable within paper waste streams across Europe while providing the necessary product protection.
Initial trials of the FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate range have yielded positive results, with both customers and end consumers showing a preference for the paper-based solution over unrecyclable alternatives made from aluminum and plastic.
The investment in the Solec plant in Poland equips Mondi with the capability to produce high-barrier functional paper at scale, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and efficient processes. Leveraging the company’s unique integrated value chain, Mondi offers a complete solution in-house, handling production, coating, printing, and converting the paper into the final packaging product. This integrated approach provides customers with an efficient and comprehensive packaging solution.
Dirk Gabriel, COO Consumer Flexibles at Mondi, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable packaging solutions. He stated, “As a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, we have been focused on the aluminum barrier challenge for some time. We knew that with research, development, and investment in new technologies, we would find an effective replacement that would provide the necessary protection for our customers’ food products. FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate helps our existing and new food producing customers to switch to a more sustainable packaging solution and thus contribute to their sustainability goals. It is a tangible example of our Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030) commitment to making all our packaging solutions reusable, recyclable, and compostable.”
With the introduction of FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate, Mondi takes a significant step toward addressing sustainability challenges in the packaging industry, offering a promising solution for companies seeking to enhance their environmental footprint and support a circular economy. The investment in cutting-edge technology underscores Mondi’s commitment to providing innovative and eco-friendly packaging solutions for customers worldwide.