Mondi Collaborates with Industry Partners to Replace Expanded Polystyrene

In recent times, bans on Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) packaging have gained significant traction, notably in the European Union and the broader Caribbean region. This trend extends to various nations, including Fiji, the Philippines, and certain areas in the United States, where legislation prohibiting the use of EPS packaging has been enacted. The impetus behind these measures is the global initiative, exemplified by the United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution, which involves over 170 nations collaborating on policy measures to counteract the adverse environmental effects of challenging-to-recycle plastics.

Mondi's portfolio includes a diverse range of corrugated boxes crafted from recycled fibers, contributing to the impressive 82.5% recycling rate of paper-based packaging in Europe, outshining other packaging materials combined.

The recycling potential of corrugated packaging is indeed vast on a global scale. The recyclability of paper fibers, with consistently high quality across multiple cycles, ensures their continuous circulation in the packaging ecosystem. Mondi's commitment to sustainable growth is evident in the efforts of its material and design experts who are actively developing high-performance, corrugated solutions tailored for white goods and electronic equipment.

Historically, industries have heavily relied on EPS material for its protective properties, especially during the transportation of valuable goods. However, the shift towards circular packaging, driven by extended producer responsibility mandates such as those under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD), has reshaped the economic considerations associated with packaging materials.

Mondi collaborates closely with customers, assembling a team of experts to comprehend their production line and packaging requirements. This collaborative effort enables the development of recyclable, multi-material packaging concepts or gradual replacement plans for EPS components, ensuring that sustainable and viable solutions are not only identified but also seamlessly integrated into existing processes.

Mondi's commitment to replacing EPS materials in packaging presents manufacturers with a unique opportunity to collaborate on creating fully recyclable packaging solutions. Beyond environmental benefits, such solutions also optimize and automate packaging processes, aligning with the evolving landscape of consumer demands for sustainability and impending legislative requirements.

The Snug&Strong corrugated solution by Mondi goes beyond mere sustainability; it also addresses supply chain complexities and enhances packaging processes. This 100% paper-based industrial packaging not only provides excellent protection for white goods and electronic equipment but also offers logistical advantages. Being delivered flat, it requires less storage space compared to traditional EPS packaging, making it more cost-effective to handle, store, and transport.

Balancing the triad of protection, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability is often challenging in the realm of packaging. However, Mondi's Snug&Strong corrugated solution emerges as a cost-efficient and practical alternative to EPS when considering the holistic perspective of total cost of ownership. In navigating the intricate landscape of packaging considerations, Mondi's innovative solutions not only meet regulatory standards but also position brands at the forefront of sustainable packaging practices.