Mondi UFP innovation head: CO2 neutral premium paper spurred by customer demand
23 Aug 2021 --- Carbon neutral paper for consumer packaging fulfills two key customer demands as environmental regulations begin to tighten: elimination of fossil fuel materials and a guarantee that production practices are not negatively impacting climate change.
PackagingInsights speaks with Bernhard Cantzler, head of marketing and innovation at Mondi UFP, which recently turned the majority of its Austrian operation’s paper division carbon neutral. He discusses both the benefits of this achievement and various technical difficulties associated with production.
Cantzler describes how the company’s focus on communication over environmental issues associated with paper packaging production has greatly helped its customers.
“There was quite some demand from our customers; we hear that the topic of sustainability is a big one. It’s complex and easy to get lost in; they appreciate that we take them along a journey and help improve their CO2 balance.”
“Transparent communication is a major asset these days.”
Innova Market Insights identified “The Carbon Catalyst” and “Fiber-based Frenzy” as two of its leading packaging trends for 2021, noting the growing relevance of packaging’s carbon footprint as a key indicator of environmental sustainability amid increasingly stark climate change warnings.
Pergraphica was developed in collaboration with Adobe Stock.
Luxury paper, sustainable sources
A central area for these concerns has been in premium and luxury packaging, for which industry players have always been looking to improve their environmental footprint, says Cantzler.
Mondi’s sustainable offerings in this segment have risen to meet customer demand, he explains, which is the central driving factor behind the company’s efforts.
“In the last few years, the topic has been growing, and we are approaching this market with our brand Pergraphica. This has been awarded various certifications like FSC. Since April, this has also been CO2 neutral.”
A number of design options are also available, with 31 different colors, four different shades and two surfaces.
“For our brand owners, this is very important,” continues Cantzler, “they like the feel.”
Mondi also previously unveiled IQ Grass + Packaging, made from grass and renewable wood-based sources for the foodservice packaging industry.
Mondi’s MAP2030 project
MAP2030 aims to bring Mondi in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.Cantzler explains achieving carbon neutrality in luxury packaging is one part of the company’s wider environmental sustainability mission. However, it is underpinned ultimately by customer demand.
“We have these CO2-neutral options because of customer demand. As a company we focus on reusing our GHG emissions in line with science-based targets; we source wood from forests that are healthy and resilient. We are also safeguarding biodiversity, water and so on.”
Early this year, Mondi announced the launch of a ten-year sustainability action plan – MAP2030 – taking action on three key areas: circular-driven packaging and paper solutions, “created by empowered people,” and combating climate change.
All areas are aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals as part of Mondi’s focus on sustainability by design.
The company’s wood sourcing and processing is a major part of MAP2030, outlines Cantzler.
“In our mill in Russia, we have built a new bark boiler, which has helped reduce our emissions by 200,000 tons per annum. That equates to around 4 percent of our emissions reductions.”
“In Russia and South Africa, we have forests totaling around 2.5 million hectares – around half the size of Switzerland – here we have total FSC accredited forests.”
and Anni Schleicher
By Louis Gore-Langton
