Mondi adds circularity to polycoated kraft paper release liners in market first

30 Jul 2020 --- Mondi has launched “the first to market solution” that reduces the environmental footprint of polycoated kraft (PCK) paper release liners. The NextLiner solution uses recycled base paper and resins made from renewable resources. PCK liners are vital for carrying and protecting pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) products but are often discarded once the PSA products are used. The consumer packaging giant is set to launch the NextLiner globally.

The NextLiner uses recycled fibers and renewable materials to drive down the solution’s environmental footprint. The PCK liner is suitable for graphic arts, tapes and other industrial applications.

“Our goal is to be sustainable by design, so we have worked on innovating environmentally responsible NextLiners that support our customers’ sustainability goals. Recycled fibers and renewable resins take us one step closer to making the PSA supply chain more sustainable,” notes Stefan Schönberger, Head of Product Sustainability, Mondi Release Liner.

Usage of release liners continues to grow – polyolefin coated paper consumption is around 9 billion m2 per year with a market share of 16 percent of the total release liner market – which makes environmentally responsible alternatives in the sector all the more critical, Mondi says.Click to EnlargeMondi’s NextLiner fulfils optimal processing properties adapted to the customer’s needs, including tape.

The paper and plastic packaging leader identifies NextLiner as “a first important step in developing sustainable liners with more to come.” Mondi confirms that it is continually conducting research and development into more sustainable release liner alternatives for PCK as well as paper- and film-based release liners and recycling-related technologies.

NextLiner is currently available in a 90-pound PCK grade (90# Liner) – a standard graphic arts grade. Additional grades are available by adjusting the polycoating and paper weight. NextLiner is available in a plain or structured version (as AirXLiner). PCK has several advantages over alternative constructions, as it doesn’t tear easily and offers comparable moisture resistance properties, Mondi indicates. PCK also boasts effective “layflatness,” even when wet, and typically comes in an overall higher grammage (e.g., 90-gramm) compared to the standard, thinner options often used for labels.

In other Mondi news, the company Mondi partnered with One Young World for a second consecutive year as a sponsor of Lead2030. Lead2030 was launched by One Young World, the global forum for young leaders, in November 2018 to support youth-led innovation to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a challenge partner, Mondi supports the achievement of the SDG12 (responsible production and consumption), with the ultimate aim to turn packaging waste into raw materials of inherent value. This year’s winning project comes from Genecis Bioindustries, a Canadian-based start-up that makes compostable plastic from food waste. Genecis has been awarded US$50,000 from Mondi as well as 12 months of corporate mentorship focused on business development, marketing/communications support and technical mentorship on the potential market applications of PHA polymers in packaging.

Meanwhile, Germany-based meat producer Hütthaler looked to Mondi and its EcoSolutions approach – “paper where possible, plastic where useful” – for a fully recyclable meat packaging solution. Hütthaler’s collaboration with Mondi has resulted in a new mono-material film for thermoforming applications that improves food protection and extends meats’ shelf life.

Edited by Joshua Poole

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