Mondi: Paper-based packaging - the environment-friendly choice
At Fruit Logistica, Mondi Containerboard gave an insight into its latest product improvements and showcased highly functional containerboard paper grades that are suitable for fruit and vegetable packaging.
"We know that packaging can make a crucial difference, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sector because the produce is often exposed to demanding conditions, such as extreme temperature fluctuations and moisture," says Florian Stockert, Sales Director Containerboard at Mondi Europe & International. Drawing attention to the variety of properties and requirements of paper-based packaging, he continues, "Long-distance shipping is commonplace in this business and, as a paper producer, we must satisfy the demand for resilient, lightweight, but at the same time sturdy and environment-friendly packaging solutions."
Pro-environmental packaging shields fresh produce from challenging conditions
Alongside the eco-friendly ProVantage Kraftliner Aqua, which offers water resistance for up to three days, the exhibition highlights this year include the improved quality of ProVantage Fluting Aqua - achieved by rebuilding paper machine PM4 at the Mondi Swiecie mill in Poland. The modifications are delivering a variety of benefits to corrugated box producers, fruit and vegetable growers, retailers and end-users. Among other benefits, lightweight packaging offers box producers considerable raw material and transportation cost savings. In addition, the improved moisture profile enables the box to withstand long-distance shipping and thus ensures that fresh produce reaches the supermarket in good condition. The ultimate beneficiary is the consumer, whose high quality requirements are satisfied.
As well as refining its Aqua range, Mondi has been driving improvements in its Appearance portfolio. With the modernised paper machine PM21 at its Syktyvkar mill in Russia, the company has enhanced the quality of the ProVantage Komiwhite grade. It is a first-class paper for strong, shelf-ready packaging solutions that seek to catch the eye with a bright and attractive appearance, and paves the way for enhanced branding.
aqua protec - the quality and sustainability brand
In solutions using the ProVantage Kraftliner Aqua and/or ProVantage Fluting Aqua paper grades, Mondi offers its aqua protec brand for high-quality, distinctive, eco-friendly and sustainable boxes that resist the most challenging conditions. "Besides being able to use the aqua protec logo to stand out from the competition, customers will be in a position to create boxes that are lighter than standard corrugated board, and with a 35% lower water absorption rate[1]," comments Stockert.
Consumers prefer corrugated boxes for fruit and vegetables
At the press breakfast the sales director also referred to a report published by the German Corrugated Board Industry Association (VDW)[2] in June 2015. It summarises the findings of two representative surveys, both highlighting that consumers prefer corrugated boxes for fruit and vegetable packaging. "One survey showed that half of consumers consider fruit that is packed in corrugated board to be of a higher quality than fruit contained in plastic crates. An interesting discovery by TNS Emnid,[3] one of the institutes that conducted the research, was that two-thirds of consumers regard corrugated boxes as more hygienic than their multi-use plastic counterparts," remarks Stockert.
NOTES
[1] Mondi Group: http://www.mondigroup.com/products/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-2107/
[2] German Corrugated Board Industry Association (VDW)/Wellpappe Report 2/2015: https://www.wellpappen-industrie.de/presse/wellpappe-report/2015-06-12-obst-und-gemuese-wellpappensteigen-bevorzugt-151.html?PHPSESSID=2b65148cd0b74b13463dc0b73432acad
[3] ibid
