Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is investing 16 million euros in new technology at its Solec plant in Poland to produce a new packaging range called FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate. This ultra-high barrier paper-based solution for food meets growing customer demand for sustainable packaging that contributes to a circular economy.
The new addition expands Mondi's existing portfolio of FunctionalBarrier Papers, which provide high barrier paper-based packaging for food products such as dried foods and powdered milk, as well as home and personal care applications. These products require packaging that offers protection from water vapour and oxygen and can ensure a long shelf life. The current industry standards for achieving this level of barrier protection are non-recyclable plastic or aluminium-lined solutions. Mondi's FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate range is designed to be recyclable in paper waste streams across Europe, while providing the required product protection.
Initial trials of the FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate range have shown positive results with both customers and consumers, indicating that the paper solution is widely accepted and preferred over non-recyclable aluminium and plastic-based alternatives.
The investment in our Solec plant in Poland enables Mondi to produce the high barrier functional paper on a large scale using the latest technology and efficient processes. The company's unique integrated value chain allows Mondi to offer the complete solution in-house, from production and coating to printing and converting into the final packaging product. This provides customers with an efficient solution for their packaging needs.
Dirk Gabriel, COO Consumer Flexibles, stated:
As a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, we have been focusing on the challenge of aluminium barriers 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 manufacturing customers move to a more sustainable packaging solution, contributing to their sustainability goals. It is a tangible example of our Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030) commitment to make all our packaging solutions reusable, recyclable and compostable.
