NORWAY – Paper and packaging company, Mondi has developed a recyclable high-barrier packaging for Norwegian pet food manufacturer Felleskjøpet.

Mondi’s FlexiBag Recyclable, a pre-made mono-material polyethylene (PE) bag, has been chosen by the pet food manufacturer for the relaunch of its Appetitt range of dry cat and dog foods.

It will replace the previous unrecyclable multi-layer packaging, delivering packaging that is designed for recycling, according to CEFlex D4ACE guidelines, and is recyclable in existing Norwegian plastic recycling streams.

Mondi’s FlexiBag Recyclable provides product protection and preserves premium pet food with its high barrier material.

A slider enables easy opening and closing for the bigger bags to ensure long-lasting freshness, while a handle allows for convenient transportation.

Pal Wikstrom, Sales Manager Nordic Consumer Flexibles, Mondi, said: “This partnership was all about designing appealing packaging for the Appetitt pet food, meeting the consumer needs of convenience and product protection, as well as helping Felleskjøpet meet its sustainability goals.

“It meant working together closely and asking all the necessary questions at each stage of the manufacturing process to deliver a solution that works for the customer, the product, the planet – and of course the pets.”

Hege Rosenhaug, Product and Development Manager Pet Food, Felleskjøpet, added: “Our relaunched Appetitt range packed in FlexiBag Recyclable will be available in stores from October.

“The pet food is delivered in its best condition; it is both protected and kept fresh by the new packaging. This is a major step in our journey towards being a more environmentally responsible organization, which keeps material in circulation and avoids waste.”

Last month, the UK-based company developed a high-barrier, mono-material polypropylene (PP) packaging solution for Handl Tyrol bacon.

The packaging solution has been designed to resemble a wooden chopping board, the packaging features a polypropylene (PP) film that is recyclable in existing streams for mixed polyolefins.

These initiatives are part of Mond’s effort to reduce food loss, therefore reducing the carbon footprint in the production of food.

According to a report, 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted every year. That’s one-third of the world’s food, enough to feed two billion people.

Through innovative packaging, Mondi and other food packaging companies seek to reduce the loss, which not only enhances food security but also helps fight climate change.

Liked this article? Subscribe to our regular email newsletters with the latest news insights from Africa and the World’s packaging and printing industry. SUBSCRIBE HERE.