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Mondi is partnering with UK packaging supplier Welton, Bibby and Baron (WBB) to introduce recyclable paper-based bread bags to retail shelves.

As part of the partnership, WBB is converting Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper Reduce solution to create brown and white paper bags for different pre-packaged fresh bread products.

Mondi is producing the strong base kraft paper from responsibly sourced fibres and coats it in-house to ensure its essential barrier properties. FunctionalBarrier Paper Reduce is the thinnest paper in Mondi’s barrier paper range, designed to offer the strength required for higher filling weights while delivering food-compliant protection against water vapour, grease and moisture.

According to Mondi, the final bread packaging solution keeps the bread fresh, soft and moist, while offering a recyclable alternative to previous unrecyclable packaging.

The white and brown bags feature windows so that consumers can easily see the bread inside. The brown bag has a glassine window which can be disposed of in the paper bin and recycled together with the bag, while the white bag comes with a detachable film window that can be separated easily from the paper and disposed of in separate recycling bins by the end consumer.

The paper bags qualify for a recycling label from the On Pack Recycling Label Scheme and can be conveniently recycled via kerbside collection by UK consumers.

Mick Robinson, business solutions manager for functional paper and films at Mondi, said: “With our MAP2030 sustainability targets, we are fully committed to developing circular packaging options to satisfy our customers and their end users, who are looking for more sustainable and convenient solutions in their shopping habits and overall lifestyles. Long-standing partnerships like this mean we can actively support brands and retailers in their steps towards sustainability.”

Andrew Lockyear, technical manager at WBB, commented: “Close collaboration with the Mondi team meant we had access to a lot of expertise throughout the whole process, enabling us to turn around this brilliant result in such a short time frame. To meet possible future regulative requirements, we’ll be working with Mondi a lot more, further improving existing solutions and proactively leading the sustainability game.”

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