Mondi, a global player in the packaging and paper industry, is investing in innovative technologies to increase FunctionalBarrier paper production capacity to meet the growing demand for sustainable paper-based packaging solutions.
Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier paper range offers tailored barrier properties that reduce the amount of plastic used in packaging, supporting the development of a circular economy. The range is supported by an investment in a new extruder at Mondi Coating Štĕtí (Czech Republic). The investment will include the construction of a production building that will house state-of-the-art machinery, such as an extruder and cutter. Production is scheduled to start in 2024.
In addition, investments are underway at Mondi Jülich (Germany) to rebuild an existing coating tower. Two new aqueous coating stations will improve barrier properties by ensuring good base paper coverage. The construction of a new coating kitchen is also part of the refurbishment and will enable pre-coating of base paper and expansion of the offering with more paper grades, particularly with recycled content. These investments underscore the benefit of Mondi’s integrated value chain from responsible sourcing, production, coating, and packaging to the final product. Mondi will also invest in and optimize its production facility in Örebro, Sweden, to further improve production of the FunctionalBarrier Paper range and create additional jobs.
Replacing plastic films and laminates, the FunctionalBarrier Paper range offers fiber-based packaging alternatives particularly suitable for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and can be recycled into existing paper waste streams in Europe. With different barrier levels, the range is suitable for industrial and e-commerce applications, as well as personal care, frozen food and chocolate packaging.
“We are seeing a strong push from end markets to reduce the use of plastic and move to more sustainable paper-based packaging solutions,” explains Marko Schuster, COO Functional paper&films at Mondi. “Our FunctionalBarrier Paper range reflects Mondi’s commitment to this and promotes a circular economy, in line with our MAP2030 goals. We are excited to expand the portfolio and enable our customers to make a smooth transition to more sustainable packaging solutions to meet the growing needs of their consumers.”