The Mondi Group is realising the so-called Pioneer Project „Project Proof“ with the support of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF). As part of this project, a prototype of a flexible plastic bag was developed that consists of at least 20 per cent recycled plastic. The bag can be used to package household goods such as detergents.
With this project, the global market leader in the packaging and paper industry is making a contribution to New Plastics Economyhow Mondi announced. Proof has been provided that such bags can be made with at least 20 per cent recycled material. Used plastic from mixed household waste can actually be realised.
The New Plastics Economy is an EMF initiative. The project is aimed at designing products in line with circular economy principles. It shows that contaminated, used materials can be turned into new products. flexible packaging can be created.
Prototype is further developed into a marketable product
Mondi announces that the Prototype now specifically developed into a marketable product for customers in the short-lived Consumer goods (FMCG) is being further developed.
„We see the key to solving the problem of plastic waste in partnerships that drive innovation and broad system change throughout the plastics value chain, focussing on substitution, reduction and recycling.“
Georg Kasperkovitz, CEO Mondi Consumer Packaging
As part of the project, Mondi tested the feasibility of two different plastics made from Recycled material confirmed: a recyclable plastic for flexible packaging with used material content from household waste, and a form, fill and seal (FFS) bag for Food applications. The aim is the substitution of multi-layer laminates, as used in the field of Food packaging and in this way improve recyclability.
Material mixture contains small dots of colour
The first phase of Project Proof has now been completed with the production of the prototype of a flexible stand-up pouch for non-food items such as washing powder or dishwasher detergent. The recyclate used for this has resulted in a stand-up pouch with an excellent design, high Seal strength and integrated Slide lock manufactured. Due to the mixture of materials, the bag looks like recycled paper with small irregular dots of colour.
According to Mondi, the successful concept emphasises the potential of what could be achieved with higher-quality and pre-sorted used plastics. Better waste collection techniques and a targeted recycling-orientated Packaging design will optimise this process and help to close the sustainability loop.
Durable stand-up pouches for food
The second phase of Project Proof was then focussed on long-lasting Stand-up pouch for foodstuffs. High technical specifications were agreed with the participating FMCG manufacturers with regard to the standards for food applications. The plastic packaging frequently used in common plastic packaging for food Aluminium barrier can extend shelf life, but causes problems when it comes to recycling. Project Proof offered FMCG manufacturers the opportunity to rethink and adapt certain specifications to enable the use of more sustainable materials.
Several mono-material structures are already being tested that do not contain problematic layers such as aluminium and can be recycled within existing Waste streams allow. The preliminary result was that further development work is required.
[infotext icon]Mondi participates in other EMF projects, namely Project Barrier, Project Sea and Peoject Holy Grail. You can find more information on the Mondi website.
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