At Interpack 2017 in Dusseldorf, Germany, (May 4-10), Bettina Haidvogl, marketing specialist, consumer goods packaging and Albert Klinkhammer, marketing and communication director, Europe & International, Mondi, discussed how the firm is tackling food waste and changing demographics by creating smaller portion sizes and barrier films that extend food shelf-life.
Natural look & feel
It is also focusing on packaging to better suit the needs of an ageing population, the growing number of single households and how it can reduce the materials used in packaging and lower CO2 emissions through lighter-weight products.
Haidvogl presented the latest addition to Mondi’s portfolio, the PaperPack, which has a natural look and feel and a window for product visibility.
Also on show, was BarrierPack; a high-barrier laminate created via a collaboration between multiple Mondi plants to provide technology for a major coffee capsule customer and SKOG for food, a biodegradable bag made of Mondi FSC certified kraft paper and double-side coated with Mondi’s Sustainex barrier to keep food products fresh and with thermo-sealing protection.
“New lifestyles have brought new habits into our daily lives, and Mondi is adapting to those trends by offering products that are more convenient to use,” said Klinkhammer.
“Packaging plays a key role in consumer buying decisions and brand loyalty, and can determine the success or failure of a product.”
Packaging waste
Mondi products that focus on convenience, finishing and sustainability include; the CornerPack bag with semi-circular scoring lines at the pack’s corner, which allows consumers to more easily dispense the product inside and easy-open StripePack.
For food brands looking to attract attention on the shelf, Mondi has new paper-touch technology such as an upgraded, paper, flat-bottom bag the FlexziBox, ideal for dry products, such as coffee, tea or to keep snacks fresher for longer.
According to PCI, the supplier industry has grown to over $80bn to keep up with growing markets and increasingly complex consumer demands. The need for flexible packaging for the pre-made food industries is no different.
Consumers are more environmentally-conscious and, as a result, the European flexible packaging supplier market is expected to reach nearly €15bn by 2020 (PCI, The European Flexible Packaging Market to 2020).
According to Klinkhammer, Mondi’s commitment to addressing packaging waste was highlighted on its stand at Interpack with the latest mono material developments for premade and form-fill and seal stand-up pouches.
He said thanks to improved features and advanced design, these materials can replace traditional PET/PE laminates and its mono material offers an improved opportunity for recycling.