Packaging and paper company Mondi has invested in new technologies to increase the FunctionalBarrier Paper capacity to meet the increasing demand for sustainable paper-based packaging solutions.
The FunctionalBarrier Paper range provides customised barrier properties that lower the amount of plastic used in packaging to develop a circular economy.
Mondi is supporting the range with an investment in a new extruder at Mondi Coating Štĕtí (Czech Republic).
The investment includes the construction of a production building that will have machinery like an extrusion coater and a slitting machine. The facility is expected to start production next year.
Also, the firm is currently working on rebuilding an existing coater at Mondi Jülich (Germany). The two new dispersion coating stations will enhance barrier qualities by ensuring adequate coverage on the base paper.
Mondi said a new coating kitchen will be built as part of the redevelopment. This will allow for the pre-coating of base paper and the expansion of the product line to include more paper grades with recycled content.
The investments support Mondi’s integrated value chain, which spans from ethical sourcing, to manufacture, to coating and packaging to final product conversion.
The company will also invest in and optimise its Örebro (Sweden) production site to further enhance the manufacturing of its FunctionalBarrier Paper line. The investment will also generate new employment opportunities.
Mondi Functional Paper & Films COO Marko Schuster said: “We are seeing a strong drive in the end markets to reduce the use of plastic and move towards more sustainable paper-based packaging solutions.
“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.”
According to the paper and packaging firm, the FunctionalBarrier Paper line provides fibre-based packaging substitutes for plastic films and laminates. The line is said to be suitable for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and can be recycled in the region’s established paper waste streams.
The paper range, which has variable barrier levels, is specifically designed for industrial and e-commerce applications as well as packaging for frozen food, chocolate, and personal care products.
