Mondi replaces aluminum in moist food pouches for mono-material retort recyclability

11 Oct 2021 --- Mondi is expanding its portfolio of food and pet food packaging with RetortPouch Recyclable, an aluminum-free, mono-material solution designed to replace conventionally unrecyclable solutions.

Moist or semi-moist foods often require retort packaging, as they are heat-treated in steam or hot water retort vessels to achieve commercial sterilization for shelf-stable foods. 

Mondi has substituted the aluminum typically used in retort pouches with an innovative high-barrier film that keeps temperatures high and maintains short processing times during the retort process. 

The new mono-material retort packaging is reportedly fully recyclable, offering a solution that protects the product, provides “exceptional” shelf life for a mono-material solution and reduces potential food waste.

Ex mundo Mondi
Mondi has spent over two years researching and testing this product, ensuring it can meet the needs of several important applications. 

The launch of RetortPouch Recyclable is another step toward Mondi’s goal of ensuring all its products are reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025 as part of its MAP2030 commitments.

In a slew of recyclability moves, BarrierPack Recycable is Mondi’s fully recyclable plastic laminate for pre-made pouches and form, fill and seal (FFS) roll stock, launched last year. PackagingInsights recently spoke to the company about BarrierPack’s applicability in the frequently unrecyclable snack packaging segment.

Mondi and Rovema also debuted a recyclable pillow bag for frozen food at FachPack 2021, predicting the paper segment’s “coming back.” The company also recently launched seven solutions for online grocery delivery services in Central Europe and co-developed a wet strength paper shopping bag for the South African retail market. 

Edited by Anni Schleicher