Mondi has created a recyclable pre-made paper bag for chemical powders, working in partnership with chemical company Evonik. The lightweight bag has been developed to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging for fumed silica, which is used as a performance additive in various industrial and consumer applications.
Evonik started investigating more sustainable packaging in 2022 and worked closely with Mondi to find an innovative solution. The collaboration resulted in a two-ply pre-made paper-based bag, removing a plastic-coated paper layer from the previous packaging. This means that less paper and plastic is used, resulting in an overall weight reduction of the packaging by 30%, compared to the previous solution. The new paper bag also has a lower carbon footprint which was assessed in Mondi’s in-house life cycle-based PIA (Product Impact Assessment) tool. Following intensive tests conducted by Evonik, the suitability and product protection of the new bags were proven, and the bags are now launched to the market.
The new bag was created using Mondi’s high porosity kraft paper, which offers superior strength, durability and stretch. Mondi applies a small amount of spot coating to the bag, enabling Evonik to securely seal it after filling. The new bag is recyclable according to the CEPI v.3 test method and 4evergreen’s fibre-based packaging recyclability evaluation protocol[1].
High-quality packaging that protects the products while reducing waste is one of Evonik’s goals. The fine powders with tailor-made properties must not only be easy and efficient to fill but also withstand the demanding conditions of vacuum chamber filling. Mondi’s high porosity kraft paper used for the new bags is not coated which allows swift air release, reduces vacuum filling time, and the closing mechanism ensures tight and secure packaging, tested to meet the highest quality standards. After the filling process, Evonik palletises the bags and shrink-wraps the pallets for storage and transport.
Susanne Pellengahr, Head of Sustainability Transformation at Evonik’s Smart Effects business line: “At Evonik, we are committed to enabling transformation and going beyond the familiar. In the Smart Effects business line, we collaborate closely with our partners on projects focused on CO2 reduction, portfolio transformation, and the circular economy. Our partnership with Mondi on packaging transformation exemplifies how every part of our business is aligned on the same sustainable path.”
Florian Ullrich, Sales Director Paper Bags Germany, Mondi says: “Valve bags are designed for high-speed filling and with sensitive contents such as these specialty chemical powders, high quality material and secure closing options are also paramount. Being able to deliver and indeed improve on these elements, while reducing the carbon footprint of the packaging, was a challenge we were delighted to answer alongside Evonik.”
[1] Cepi v.3 test method and the 4evergreen Fiber-based packaging recyclability evaluation protocol (January 2025).
Photo: Mondi
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