Fiber gains: Mondi supplies kraft paper solutions to Holz-Bauer and Silbo

25 May 2023 --- Mondi is advancing fiber-based packaging by launching paper bags for Holz-Bauer’s wooden pellets and substituting Silbo’s pallet wrapping from plastic stretch film to Mondi’s kraft paper Advantage StretchWrap.

“Our goal is to use paper where possible and plastic when useful. As paper is made from renewable resources, we aim to contribute to a circular economy and reduce unnecessary plastic,” Fabio Barbieri, sales director for Paper Bags at Mondi tells PackagingInsights.

“Mondi kraft paper is made from responsibly sourced fibers, and is produced in-house. In 2022, we maintained 100% compliant wood fiber with credible standards comprising 75% of Forest Stewardship Council and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification and the remainder controlled wood.”

With Mondi’s PelletBag, Holz-Bauer will replace the existing plastic bag solution, which the company states is currently an industry standard for wooden pellets. “The PelletBag is made from 100% responsibly sourced 2-ply kraft paper. There are no coatings or additional layers,” Barbieri details.

Modi's PelletBags for Holz-Bauer.Similarly, Mondi’s Advantage StretchWrap is also made with responsibly sourced fibers and does not contain plastic or coating. Silbo is replacing plastic stretch film on all its pallets with Mondi’s Advantage StretchWrap kraft paper, using a new fully-automated wrapping machine by EW Technology.

PelletBags for wooden pellets
Mondi’s 2-ply kraft paper PelletBag is produced, printed and converted in-house before being sent to Holz-Bauer for filling and closing, using its secure sewing method with a static binder machine.

The paper bags can be disposed of in existing European recycling streams. Additionally, they have high tear resistance and can be stored and transported easily. Mondi’s PelletBag is available in white and brown and in a range of sizes up to 25 kgs.

Barbieri says: “PelletBags provide the required strength and protection to pack wooden pellets.” 

“Using packaging from the same renewable resource as the contents themselves increases the product’s brand value, providing a [environmentally] sustainable and convenient solution for the end user.”

Silbo will employ Mondi's Advantage StretchWrap on the EW Technology PaperWrap machine.Kraft paper Advantage StretchWrap
Silbo has installed the first EW Technology PaperWrap machine at its plant in Żory, Poland. The companies state a close working relationship between Mondi, Silbo and EW Technology has made the switch from plastic stretch film to kraft paper possible. 

A complete reel of Advantage StretchWrap can be applied to the fully automated machine without any need to re-wind. The larger dimensions of the Advantage StretchWrap reel mean that a replacement is only needed every 400-600 pallets compared to every 40-80 pallets for plastic wrapping.

The company says Mondi commissioned an independent life cycle assessment showing that Advantage StretchWrap performs better than standard plastic stretch film in several environmental impact categories. 

The paper has “exceptional” puncture resistance and high stretch properties providing robust protection for a wide range of goods during transportation. 

“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,” says Bartosz Babicz, product manager for Advantage StretchWrap at Mondi.

By Radhika Sikaria