FINLAND – Mondi, a global supplier of sustainable packaging and paper, has completed its €125 million (US$133.74m) investment in the Kuopio containerboard mill.
This comprehensive upgrade includes enhancements to the wood yard, fiber line, evaporation plant, and paper machine.
These machines produce ProVantage Powerflute, a high-performance fluting primarily used in fresh fruit and vegetable trays and boxes.
Importantly, this investment will not only boost production capacity and improve product quality but also significantly enhance environmental performance.
It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions per ton of paper and increase resource and energy efficiency, a clear demonstration of Mondi’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint.
Mondi Kuopio hosted an inauguration event attended by local politicians and partners to celebrate this milestone.
Andrew King, CEO of Mondi Group, couldn’t contain his excitement, “We are absolutely thrilled to mark the completion of this significant investment and the opportunities it opens up for us to continue delivering high-quality, sustainable products to our customers.
“This investment is a clear testament to our commitment to the region’s economic growth and the long-term success of the Kuopio mill.”
Markus Gärtner, CEO of Mondi Corrugated Packaging, added, “Mondi’s purpose is to be sustainable by design, and investments like this support our MAP2030 sustainability commitments around circular-driven packaging and paper solutions, created by empowered people, taking action on climate.
“The local community will benefit from a modernized mill, including improvements in safety and environmental performance.”
Bio-circular packaging coating
In another development, Mondi has partnered with advanced biomaterial engineers traceless to develop a new bio-circular coating solution based on agricultural by-products.
This innovative coating can replace traditional plastic coatings, meeting the growing demand for plastic alternatives in packaging. Made from renewable plant-based materials, this coating eliminates the need for fossil raw materials.
Traceless’ life-cycle assessment revealed that compared to virgin PET, their material provides overall greenhouse gas savings of 76% from sourcing to disposal.
For the production and disposal phases alone, savings reach 95%. Additionally, DIN CERTCO has certified the material home compostable according to NF T51-800.
Mondi and traceless began collaborating in 2021, combining Mondi’s expertise in paper coating and packaging with traceless’ knowledge of natural polymer materials.
The coating granulates are produced in traceless’ pilot plant and applied to Mondi’s kraft paper for testing in Mondi’s R&D center. Future industrial-scale production is planned for a plant in Hamburg.
Extensive testing has confirmed that kraft paper coated with traceless® resists water, oxygen, and fat, while offering good printing capabilities for various customers.
The goal is to develop a recyclable solution that fits into existing European recycling streams. The bio-based coating properties are currently being optimized for different packaging applications, including eCommerce, frozen food, and fatty and non-fatty food.
Mondi aims to scale this packaging solution for various industries, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions throughout the packaging lifecycle.
For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
