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Mondi’s new sustainable drinks packaging, Hug&Hold, a recyclable, paper-based solution to replace plastic shrink wrap, has been validated for automated packing processes. Hug&Hold comprises two elements that provide secure transportation as well as stacking of bundles of bottled drinks. The first element is a sleeve made of 100% kraft paper that wraps around the bottles to hold them securely, it offers high tensile strength and can withstand enough weight to strap and stabilise the bottles during transportation. The second element is a corrugated clip which holds the bottles around the neck. An optional integrated handle means a bundle of bottles can be carried and transported easily. Simple separation of single bottles from the pack by the consumer or retail staff adds to the convenience of the design. Mondi’s Hug&Hold provides a strong and stable solution that is made from renewable and fully recyclable materials. The team worked with Krones, a global acting specialist in packaging automation technology, to ensure that Hug&Hold can pack bottles in a fully automated process with the latest Krones’ machines. Krones offers options to upgrade its existing machinery enabling an easy switch to Hug&Hold as a sustainable alternative. Hug&Hold currently is available for 0.5l up to 1.5l PET bottles in bundles of six or four.