Mondi opens paper product recyclability lab

Packaging company Mondi has opened a recycling laboratory in Austria that will test the recyclability of paper and paper-based packaging using non-paper components (such as coatings).

The company said that using the lab could help to increase the pace of sustainable packaging development, as the tests will be able to indicate whether or not a piece of packing can generally be recycled.

Paper is a sustainable source of packaging but it has some disadvantages over other formats, particularly when it comes to keeping perishable food fresh. Introducing features to paper packaging that enable it to protect food can make it less recyclable.

In addition to driving the design of packaging through the use of this laboratory, Mondi plans to improve the circularity of its material flows.

Elisabeth Schwaiger, Head of R&D and IP Flexible Packaging, Mondi, said: “The ability to provide our customers with information on the recyclability of our products will be a key enabler in our efforts to develop more sustainable solutions and enhance our value proposition for customers.

“Currently, 78% of Mondi’s group-wide portfolio is already either reusable, recyclable or compostable. This recycling lab enables us to move closer to our MAP2030 goals of making 100% of our products fulfil these requirements by 2025.”

Image credit: Mondi