Mondi, Prymat unveil recyclable paper packaging for spices in Poland

POLAND – Mondi has partnered with Polish seasoning manufacturer Prymat to introduce a paper-based packaging solution designed to protect aromatic spices while advancing recyclability goals in the dry food sector.

The new packs are produced using Mondi’s re/cycle FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate, an ultra-high barrier paper designed as an alternative to conventionally non-recyclable multilayer plastic or aluminium laminates.

Developed following extensive trials and performance tests, the solution addresses the technical challenge of maintaining product freshness while enabling paper-stream recycling.

Adrian Goralski, Managing Director at Mondi Solec, emphasized the importance of tailored innovation, “It is essential to understand the individual needs of each customer when creating packaging solutions. There are often several different routes to sustainability.

“At Mondi, we work closely with brands to thoroughly learn about every step of their production, distribution and end use, so that we can create and test various options and be sure we are delivering the best possible and most sustainable outcome.”

According to Mondi’s internal product impact assessment tool, FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate delivers a significantly lower CO₂ footprint compared with traditional multilayer plastic or aluminium-based alternatives.

The material contains at least 80% paper and incorporates a functional barrier coating engineered for recyclability. It has been verified as recyclable under the laboratory test method of the Confederation of European Paper Industries.

For Prymat, transitioning from multilayer packaging to recyclable materials required overcoming high barrier performance demands.

“Given the very high barrier requirements and the preservation of spice quality, aroma and freshness, this posed a significant technological challenge,” said Marta Klęka-Nowa, PR Manager at Prymat.

“Thanks to our collaboration with Mondi, we were able to develop a solution that aligns our sustainability ambitions with the highest standards of product quality.”

The paper solution offers strong resistance to oxygen, water vapour and grease, with an oxygen transmission rate below 0.5 cm³/m²d and a water vapour transmission rate below 0.5 g/m²d.

It also supports high-quality print performance and delivers sufficient stiffness for effective “dead fold,” allowing consumers to reseal the pack after opening.

Importantly, the packaging runs on Prymat’s existing filling lines, avoiding additional capital investment.

The launch aligns with Mondi’s broader push into sustainable paper and corrugated solutions.

Recently, the company partnered with Pacapime Hungary to supply high-performance corrugated packaging for fresh fruit and vegetables across Central and Western Europe.

Pacapime operates a 42,000m² facility in Mórahalom with an annual capacity of up to 180 million m², reflecting growing regional demand for durable, recyclable produce packaging.

Together, the initiatives underscore accelerating momentum across Europe’s food packaging industry to replace complex laminates with high-performance paper alternatives that balance sustainability with product protection.

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