Mondi advances transition to PE free wrappers for cut size paper across European mills

Print Solutions

Mondi has completed the transition to polyethylene (PE) free wrappers for its entire branded cut size paper portfolio produced at Mondi SCP in Ružomberok, Slovakia. The Neusiedler mill in Austria is scheduled to complete its transition to PE free wrappers by 2026. This milestone strengthens the company’s position in sustainable paper solutions and supports customers in meeting sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.

The PE free wrappers are now available in both matt and glossy finishes for  leading brands, including Nautilus, Bio Top 3, IQ, Maestro, Niveus, Color Copy and DNS.

By removing the polyethylene layer traditionally used in cut size ream wraps, Mondi’s paper only wrapper can be recycled more efficiently. It enables easier fibre recovery and eliminates the need to separate plastic from paper during the recycling process – while continuing to protect the product and maintain visual appeal.

Market tests confirm that the PE free solution performs on par with PE coated wraps. The transition reduces plastic use by approximately one kilogram per tonne of finished cut size paper, lowering material impact across both Slovak and Austrian production sites.

The development and roll out of the PE free wrapper is the result of the company’s ongoing investment in research and development and process optimisation. Comprehensive internal testing and customer trials have verified high reliability in packaging protection, storage, and end use performance.

‘Our move to PE free wrapping is more than just packaging optimisation; it reflects our strong commitment to sustainability. Customers can continue to rely on the same high quality paper they know, now delivered in a wrapper that offers significantly improved recyclability,’ said Bernhard Cantzler, marketing and sales director, Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper.

The company is also extending PE free options to customer owned labels (COLs), offering matt and glossy wrappers for brands produced at Neusiedler and matt finishes for Mondi SCP.