Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper solutions, has teamed up with specialty chemicals company Evonik to develop a recyclable paper bag for transporting fumed silica—a fine chemical powder used in a range of industrial and consumer applications. The new packaging solution is designed to significantly reduce the environmental impact of transporting this material, supporting both companies’ broader sustainability goals.

The collaboration between Mondi and Evonik began in 2022, when Evonik launched an initiative to identify more sustainable packaging alternatives. Together, the companies developed a two-ply, pre-made paper bag that eliminates the need for a plastic-coated paper layer used in the previous packaging design. This innovation results in a 30% reduction in overall packaging weight, contributing to lower emissions across the supply chain.

The new bag is produced using Mondi’s high-porosity kraft paper, known for its exceptional strength, durability and stretch. Unlike coated paper, Mondi’s kraft paper allows for rapid air release, which improves the efficiency of vacuum chamber filling—a critical factor in packaging fine chemical powders. The packaging is designed to be both user-friendly and industrially robust, ensuring that it meets the high standards necessary for chemical transport and storage.

To seal the bags securely after filling, Mondi applies a minimal spot coating that enables strong closure without compromising recyclability. The paper bag meets the recyclability criteria of both the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) recyclability test method version 3 and the 4evergreen alliance’s fiber-based packaging recyclability evaluation protocol.

According to Mondi’s internal Product Impact Assessment (PIA) tool, which evaluates environmental performance across the lifecycle of a product, the new paper bag has a significantly lower carbon footprint than the prior packaging model. This life cycle-based assessment helps quantify the sustainable benefits of packaging innovations and reinforces the companies’ commitment to climate-conscious design.

“High-quality packaging that protects sensitive materials while minimizing environmental waste is a key priority for us,” said Susanne Pellengahr, head of sustainability transformation at Evonik’s Smart Effects business line. “Our partnership with Mondi demonstrates how collaboration across industries can lead to impactful solutions aligned with CO2 reduction, portfolio transformation and the circular economy.”

Florian Ullrich, sales director for paper bags in Germany at Mondi, emphasized the project’s technical demands and environmental benefits. “Valve bags must allow high-speed filling and provide reliable protection for delicate materials. Working with Evonik, we were able to deliver packaging that not only meets those needs but also significantly reduces carbon emissions,” he said.

The new paper bag is now available on the market and represents a step forward in creating more sustainable packaging solutions for the chemical industry, without compromising on performance or product safety.