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Packaging manufacturer Mondi has opened the company's first recycling laboratory at its Frantschach mill in Austria. The new lab will test the recyclability of paper and paper-based packaging incorporating non-paper elements, such as coatings. Non-paper components, such as barrier coatings, may be added to enhance the functionality of packaging. However, these can impact recyclability. The company will carry out tests on paper and paper-based packaging products to determine whether they can be efficiently recycled. The data collected will be used to improve existing products and provide information about their environmental impact. The results will also be used to improve the design of new packaging and the circularity of Mondi's material flows. Elisabeth Schwaiger, head of research and development and IP flexible packaging at Mondi, said: “The ability to provide our customers with information on the recyclability of our products will be a key enabler in our efforts to develop more sustainable solutions and enhance our value proposition for customers." She continued: "Currently, 78% of Mondi’s group-wide portfolio is already either reusable, recyclable or compostable. This recycling lab enables us to move closer to our 'MAP2030' goals of making 100% of our products fulfil these requirements by 2025.”