Baking up a recyclable paper-based packaging for bread

In the UK, sustainable packaging and paper company Mondi has partnered with Welton, Bibby & Baron (WBB), a packaging supplier to the UK food and FMCG markets, to introduce recyclable paper-based bread bags to retail shelves.

WBB is converting Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper Reduce to create two bags. The brown and white paper bags are designed for different pre-packed fresh bread products. Mondi is producing the strong base kraft paper from responsibly sourced fibres and coats it in-house to ensure the final packaging’s essential barrier properties.

Image credit: Mondi

The range is the thinnest paper in the brand’s barrier paper range, which aims to offer the strength needed for higher filling weights while delivering food-compliant protection against water vapour, grease and moisture. The final packaging is designed to keep the bread fresh, soft and moist, while offering a recyclable alternative to the previous unrecyclable packaging.

Both bags have windows so that consumers can see the bread inside and at the same time support recyclability of the packaging. The brown bag has a glassine window which can be disposed of in the paper bin and recycled together with the bag. The white bag comes with a detachable film window that can be separated easily from the paper part and disposed of in separate recycling bins by the end consumer.

Mick Robinson, Business Solutions Manager Functional Paper and Films at Mondi, said: “With our MAP2030 sustainability targets, we are fully committed to developing circular packaging options to satisfy our customers and their end users, who are looking for more sustainable and convenient solutions in their shopping habits and overall lifestyles. Longstanding partnerships like this mean we can actively support brands and retailers in their steps towards sustainability.”

Top image credits: Mondi