Mondi develops paper barrier materials for packaging

London-based packaging and paper producer Mondi says it has developed a new paper recyclable packaging barrier product range that can run on existing filling lines in form-fill-and-seal (FFS) applications.

Mondi says its AegisPaper range reduces the amount of plastic used by “replacing it with a renewable resource that has specific mechanical properties, such as puncture resistance, flexibility, printability and barrier protection.”

Coatings applied to the papers create custom barriers against grease and water vapor and ensure sealability, according to Mondi. AegisPapers are suitable for numerous packaging applications within the dry food, frozen food, pet food, confectionery, secondary packaging, toy, e-commerce and flower packaging industries, adds the firm.

“Sustainability is at the center of our strategy, and I am pleased that this continues to be a focus for our customers,” says Peter Orisich, CEO of the Flexible Packaging and Engineered Materials business unit of Mondi. “This launch is a breakthrough for the next generation of sustainable packaging,” he adds.

The company says the new barrier paper can replace plastic packaging that traditionally has been used for FMCG and consumer products. In a first step, Mondi says a collaboration with a European dry pasta producer will reduce that firm’s plastic used by 90 percent and prevent them from using some 7.5 metric tons of plastic film each year for one of its product ranges. The new pasta packaging is scheduled to enter the market in the first half of 2021.

Mondi says AegisPaper is “certified as fully recyclable and has the best mechanical properties for food applications.” The material, produced in Europe, “provides the thinnest functional barrier paper to reduce the amount of packaging material needed, adds the firm.