Mondi launches seven corrugated solutions for Central European e-grocery surge

Mondi is expanding its e-commerce packaging portfolio with seven new solutions for online grocery delivery services in Central Europe. From perishable food to wine bottles, the new line addresses the diverse needs of grocery retailers in fit-for-purpose packaging. 

The move is motivated by significant growth in demand for e-grocery services in the region, as identified by Innova Market Insights’ top packaging trend for 2021, “Home Delivery Haven.” 

“While Western European consumers adopted online shopping earlier, [Central European consumers’] needs remain the same,” Tarik Aniba, sales and marketing director at Mondi Corrugated Solutions, tells PackagingInsights.

“We want to deliver solutions with the best service and short lead times. Due to the locations of our operations, we are well-positioned to meet the demand in Central Europe.” 

Mondi Corrugated Solutions mainly covers the Central European markets in Austria, Czech Republic, Germany and Poland.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has boosted the popularity of online grocery shopping, especially in our Central European markets,” says Schoonbrood.Trends driving e-commerce packaging
Both the COVID-19 pandemic and its subsequent e-commerce boom are increasing functional packaging’s value. At the same time, environmental sustainability issues, like food waste, recyclability and virgin plastic reduction, remain crucial.

Mondi’s seven e-grocery products are fully recyclable, aligning with its MAP2030 strategy to make all its products reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. 

According to a 2020 Innova Consumer Survey, recyclability (42%) and product protection (51%) are the most important packaging aspects for global consumers when shopping online. 

These figures reach 44 percent for recyclability and 38 percent for product protection in Germany alone.

Seventy-two percent of global consumers view paper packaging as either somewhat or very environmentally sustainable. 

The Click&EnjoyBox was designed for gift or seasonal promotion packs, featuring compartments for tall products like bottles.Specific designs for specific needs
Mondi’s new packaging solutions include: 

• Pick&ShipBox: For all channels, offering convenience features such as easy lifting and opening. 
• PantryBox: For quick filling and easy closing. The stackable box is suitable for carrier shipping or click-and-collect. 
• RecipeBox: For doorstep delivery of fresh produce and groceries. It has an integrated lid and optional holes for ventilation. 
• EatsBox: For smaller local deliveries by bike or scooter. Its light weight offers a quick filling option. 

“Our customers in the retail grocery sector are quickly adapting to growing consumer demand for pick-up and delivery options,” notes Armand Schoonbrood, chief operating officer at Mondi Corrugated Solutions.

There are also three click-related boxes, called Click&LoadBox, Click&EnjoyBox and Click&CarryBox, which offer sturdy handles for easy loading and carrying.

The Pick&ShipBox adapts to multiple requirements and its handles offer easy lifting.Building on previous e-grocery solutions
The launch is the latest of Mondi’s endeavors in specialized e-commerce packaging, betting that the online grocery shopping trend will continue throughout Europe in the foreseeable future. 

In February, the company unveiled BCoolBox for fresh food transport that replaces the need for cooling trucks. The corrugated packaging solution keeps food chilled below 7C for up to 24 hours using thermal-insulation technology.

Meanwhile, Mondi streamlined a portfolio of corrugated boxes called VinoBox, designed for online packing and shipping needs for wines, spirits and craft beers. 

“These sustainable packaging solutions are very well received by online retailers. This is why we developed a comprehensive portfolio to meet their demands even better. We can also advise our customers how to optimize storage space and reduce transport costs,” says Aniba.

On September 16, PackagingInsights will host a webinar on the topic of sustainable e-commerce packaging in the COVID-19 age in collaboration with Mondi.

By Anni Schleicher