Mondi equips RB with fully recyclable, mono-material pouch for Finish dishwasher tabs

30 Apr 2020 --- International packaging supplier Mondi and Reckitt Benckiser (RB) have joined forces to launch a fully recyclable, mono-material flexible plastic packaging portfolio for the premium line of Finish dishwasher tablets Quantum Ultimate. The product line had previously used a multilayer PET/PE laminate pouch construction that was not recyclable. This move correlates with RB’s commitment to making 100 percent of its plastic packaging reusable or recyclable by 2025. 

“We appreciate the work and effort Mondi put into this project. It was quite a journey with dozens of trials. Mondi had a great, hands-on approach and was very agile. From the ideation to launch, we’re with our partners every step of the way,” says Krzysztof Krajewski, RB’s Director Packaging Sustainability – Hygiene.

The stand-up feature of the pouch was “vital” for RB, as was its smooth appearance, color matching and quality packaging texture. The consumer goods giant further stated it was unwilling to compromise on the barrier properties of the package and it also needed to incorporate a recyclable zipper for ease of use in opening and closing the pouch.

“Following Mondi’s customer-centric EcoSolutions approach, we worked closely with RB to find the best solution and make this product fully recyclable without sacrificing the high-end look, feel and performance. We asked questions about the entire process and tailored various aspects to meet the customer’s precise needs,” adds Olivier Seux, Global Key Account Manager, Mondi Consumer Flexibles. 

The new BarrierPack Recyclable material is available for various Form/Fill/Seal packaging lines and can be recycled where the suitable infrastructure is available. RB says it plans to roll out its new Finish packaging in Italy as of May, followed by Germany and the UK, with a subsequent global launch.

“Paper where possible, plastic when useful”
Mondi’s EcoSolutions portfolio is based on the concept of “paper where possible, plastic when useful.” Last month, a Mondi-commissioned study found that the majority of British consumers say they would choose one brand over another based on how much packaging is used. 

Mondi is a seasoned player in this space, evidenced by its BarrierPack Recyclable all-polyethylene film, certified as recyclable last January. Unilever also sought Mondi’s assistance in replacing the previous multi-material laminate of its recyclable polypropylene mono-material pouch with a recyclable mono-material film alternative for the Knorr dry soup powder range. 

Edited by Anni Schleicher

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