Mondi’s white digital printing brings QR codes, fine text to brown kraftliner for Riedel Glas

AUSTRIA – Mondi has produced brown kraftliner packaging with white digital printing for Riedel Glas’ All American Bourbon glass series, featuring fine lines, small font sizes, and integrated QR codes on an uncoated brown substrate.

The intricate design places high demands on print quality, as reproducing fine lines and crisp text on uncoated brown kraftliner is traditionally difficult due to the material’s natural absorbency and dark hue. 

Mondi’s solution uses data-to-print technology, which applies ink directly to the substrate in fine droplets without requiring printing plates or clichés. 

A recent investment in white digital printing at Mondi’s Ebersdorf site in Germany enables high opacity and sharp edges, ensuring strong contrast and premium visual results on the brown surface.

QR Codes for Traceability and Automation

Serialised QR codes on each package allow unique identification along the supply chain, improving traceability and supporting automated logistics processes. 

Different print images can be produced within a single order, enabling regional variants or targeted designs without additional set-up effort. 

This capability is particularly valuable for a global glassware brand launching a new product series.

Premium Sustainability Without Compromise

The brown kraftliner substrate reinforces the sustainability message of the premium glassware, which is designed to enhance the bourbon drinking experience. 

Riedel Glas sought packaging that matched the product’s character while signalling its premium status at the point of sale. 

Mondi’s solution delivers a fully recyclable sales pack that meets high design requirements while aligning with Riedel’s quality expectations. 

The water-based inks used in the digital printing process are tested and approved for food safety by Swiss Quality Testing Services (SQTS), making them suitable for primary packaging applications.

Digital Printing Unlocks New Design Possibilities

The project builds on Mondi’s broader investment in digital printing capabilities. 

Last year, Mondi introduced a six-colour digital printing range for corrugated board, including water-based white inks for brown materials. 

This technology enables brands to combine the natural, sustainable appearance of fibre-based packaging with the high-resolution graphics previously achievable only on plastic or coated substrates. 

For Riedel Glas, a manufacturer synonymous with high-end glassware, the packaging needed to mirror the precision and refinement of the product inside.

Where Print Quality Meets Circularity

A fine serif font on brown paper is not a contradiction. 

Mondi’s white digital printing bridges the gap between natural materials and premium design, proving that recyclable packaging can carry the same graphic sophistication as any plastic sleeve. 

For brands launching premium products, the choice no longer has to be between shelf impact and environmental responsibility.

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