Mondi has provided its Advantage StretchWrap kraft paper to Silbo to replace its plastic stretch film pallet wrapping; and Silbo has installed the first EW Technology PaperWrap machine at its Żory plant to offer flexible solutions to its customers.

Advantage StretchWrap does not contain plastic or coating and is instead made from renewable wood and ‘responsibly sourced’ fibres. Therefore, Mondi states that it is fully recyclable in existing paper waste streams and aids progress towards a circular economy.

An independent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) commissioned by the company apparently revealed that the solution outperforms conventional plastic stretch film ‘in several important environmental impact categories’. Its high stretch properties and puncture resistance also claim to provide protection for products in transit.

In a collaboration between Mondi, Silbo, and EW Technology, a complete reel of Advantage StretchWrap is now applicable to EW Technology’s fully automated machine without the need to rewind. Reportedly, a replacement is only needed every 400-600 pallets – as opposed to 40-80 pallets with standard plastic wrap – due to the larger dimensions of Mondi’s solution, which leads companies to save both time and money.

Silbo CEO Marcin Śpiewok says: “We are passionate about supporting global producers in the transition from plastic packaging to more sustainable alternatives and are well-known for our innovative technology and global distribution network. This development not only supports our reputation for sustainability but will also benefit all our customers and their end-users, making quite an impact.

“We are truly excited to be one of the first companies to introduce Advantage StretchWrap into our supply chain and have thoroughly enjoyed the whole process with Mondi and EW Technology.”

Bartosz Babicz, product manager for Advantage StretchWrap at Mondi, adds: “This is a huge move for the whole packaging industry and illustrates our MAP2030 commitments – using paper as a renewable and recyclable material to keep materials in circulation and reduce waste. We have worked as a team to empower Silbo in its own goals to be more sustainable.

“Advantage StretchWrap offers an efficient alternative to plastic film and the products still get the same protection, with a very important benefit: the installation offers a sustainable solution for all of Silbo’s customers, improving the sustainability journey of all their pallets on a global scale.”

Silbo anticipates that it will provide flexible packaging to a broad range of its customers, including fruit and vegetable suppliers.

Other companies have utilised Mondi’s solutions in pursuit of recyclability and enhanced efficiency. Megaflex Schaumstoff has repacked its rollpacked mattresses in Mondi’s expandable paper bag solution, while Holz-Bauer has adopted Mondi’s kraft paper in its wood pellet packaging.

In other news, Huhtamaki has revealed three new flexible packaging solutions made of paper, polyethylene, and polypropylene mono-materials. It is hoped that they will bring recyclability, affordability, and full product protection to packaging manufacturers.

Source:  packagingeurope.com