Mondi has finalized the transition to polyethylene (PE)-free wrappers for its entire Mondi-branded cut-size paper portfolio produced at its Slovak mill in Ružomberok. The company’s Austrian site in Neusiedler is set to complete the shift by 2026.
The move eliminates the use of approximately one kilogram of plastic per tonne of finished cut-size paper. Unlike PE-coated wrappers, the new paper-only alternative allows for easier fibre recovery and removes the need to separate materials during recycling.
PE-free wrappers are now available in both matt and glossy finishes across Mondi’s key brands, including NAUTILUS®, BIO TOP 3®, IQ, MAESTRO®, Niveus®, Color Copy, and DNS®. These products maintain the same level of protection and presentation as their predecessors, according to internal assessments and market trials.
“Our move to PE-free wrapping is more than just packaging optimisation; it reflects our strong commitment to sustainability,” said Bernhard Cantzler, Marketing & Sales Director, Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper. “Customers can continue to rely on the same high-quality paper they know, now delivered in a wrapper that offers significantly improved recyclability.”
Mondi states that the development was supported by internal R&D and process optimisation efforts. The solution has demonstrated high reliability in packaging protection, storage, and performance during use.
In addition to its core product lines, Mondi is also extending the PE-free solution to Customer Owned Labels (COLs). Customers using these labels will have access to matt and glossy wrapper options at the Neusiedler site and matt options at the Ružomberok facility.
The transition supports regulatory and circular economy goals across key European markets, reinforcing Mondi’s efforts to reduce plastic use in packaging while maintaining product standards and functionality.