Mondi reinvigorates flat-bottom flexible bag production to meet surging US demand

23 May 2018 --- Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is expanding its US capability to produce premium flat-bottom bags for food, pet food and home and personal care applications. The move comes in response to rising demand in the US for premium flexible packaging solutions from consumer goods manufacturers and brand owners.

Mondi’s expanded capability, which includes more manufacturing capacity and new equipment in the US, will be fully operational by the third quarter of 2018. It will help Mondi meet the growing needs of the consumer goods industry in the US for premium bags with creative designs, riveting graphics and printing, as well as innovative features.

“Premium flexible packaging needs to communicate a brand’s message effectively and be as unique as the product inside,” notes Bill Kuecker, Vice President of Marketing, Mondi Jackson. “With the extreme competition on store shelves that brands currently face, packaging needs to grab the consumer’s attention and maintain satisfaction during a product’s use life to remain relevant.”

“Our expanded premium bag-making capabilities will help our current and future customers bring their products to market in packaging that meets these challenging criteria. To cite just one example, our premium flat-bottom bags can be produced with a variety of reclosing options, such as top sliders, to help customize the consumer’s packaging experience.”

Innovative Features
Changing consumer behavior and demographics fuel the increasing popularity of premium packaging options. In the pet food sector, this trend has been especially noted. In response, pet food manufacturers and brands are turning to packaging suppliers for innovative solutions that differentiate their premium offerings from commodity brands. Sought-after features include clear windows that showcase package contents and enhanced printing that conveys product quality at a glance.

Lifestyle, demography and convenience are also impacting the broader food sector. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the elderly population is on the rise, with US seniors expected to outnumber children by the year 2035. At the same time, consumers of all ages are eating more meals alone or while on the go. These trends create more demand for premium bags and packaging with easy-opening features, built-in handles for portability and reclosing features to preserve food freshness.

“Mondi’s expanded premium bag-making abilities will help our packaging customers respond to evolving consumer needs and expectations,” says Kuecker. “The improvements enhance our ability to supply ‘customized’ solutions that meet specific packaging challenges.”

Mondi in North America designs, develops and manufactures solutions for its Industrial Bags, Consumer Packaging, Coatings, and Sack Kraft Paper customers. Industrial Bags produces ultra-strong paper bags for high-speed filling, air-permeable bags featuring hermetic and vacuum sealing, sewn open mouth, valve, pinch bottom, block bottom, woven polypropylene and slider bags, as well as two-ply bag constructions made from high-performance kraft paper. It serves the sugar, gardening, building and construction, pet food and animal feed industries.

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, employing around 26,000 people in over 30 countries. The supplier is fully integrated across the packaging and paper value chain - from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films, to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions.