Mondi, Dreco develop powder detergent pack with 50% mechanically recycled PCR plastic

HUNGARY – Mondi and Dreco have redesigned Dreco’s powder detergent packaging into a re/loop PillowBag with 50% mechanically recycled PCR plastic, preserving moisture protection and product quality.

Dreco’s requirements included moisture resistance, reduced use of virgin plastic without losing strength in daily handling, stable print quality and shelf presentation, and alignment with longer-term sustainability objectives and future regulation. 

The structure is designed to work with polyolefin mechanical recycling streams, and material traceability is supported through Mondi’s ISCC PLUS mass balance certification.

The Challenge of Moisture-Sensitive Products

Powder detergent is hygroscopic, it absorbs moisture from the air and will clump or dissolve if exposed to humidity. 

Traditional powder detergent packaging uses multi-layer laminates that combine different polymers to create a moisture barrier while maintaining seal strength. 

Those multi-material structures are difficult to recycle because the layers cannot be separated in standard recycling streams. 

The re/loop PillowBag with 50% PCR addresses both problems: the recycled content reduces virgin plastic demand, while the mono-material polyolefin structure (compatible with existing recycling infrastructure) ensures the pack can be processed after use.

Performance Without Compromise

Dreco owner and managing director Milo Drehsen explained that reducing the environmental impact of the company’s packaging is a key priority, but performance is critical for products like powder detergent. 

He noted that working with Mondi has enabled Dreco to introduce a solution that combines high recycled content with the protection the products require. 

The pack maintains product integrity without depending on high levels of virgin plastic, provides consistent print quality, and offers an easy-opening format for users.

Regulatory Readiness

The project shows that moisture-sensitive FMCG packaging can incorporate a relatively high share of recycled content without affecting quality, dependability, or preparedness for regulation. 

As the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation and similar frameworks mandate increased recycled content and recyclability, brand owners are seeking packaging that meets both requirements without sacrificing product protection. 

The 50% PCR content significantly exceeds typical recycled content targets for non-bottle rigid plastic packaging.

Retail Rollout

The new packaging is already on sale through retailers in Germany. 

Sandor Kardos, Mondi Békéscsaba managing director, commented that together with Dreco, Mondi has developed a high PCR packaging solution for a moisture-sensitive application that is designed for recycling, helping the customer to prepare for regulatory requirements while meeting today’s market expectations.

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