VIENNA – Mondi has collaborated with Essity and Dow to create new, recyclable secondary packaging for Essity’s feminine care products, using renewable materials and post-consumer recycled content that reduces use of fossil-based materials.

Essity’s feminine care towels were previously packed in bags that already used 50% renewable materials. Extensive research and testing by Mondi however, resulted in the recommendation of a new solution that aligns with the Essity’s packaging goals – to work towards 100% recyclability and to use up to 85% biomass, renewable or recycled material in all bags where up to 25% are recycled plastics.

The new packaging contributes by using a renewable material and by-product from the paper making industry that is produced from circular feedstock based on the ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) mass balance approach. The packaging also contains mechanically recycled content from post-consumer material. Mondi worked with long-term supplier Dow and other companies along the value chain to find the most suitable resin formulation for this solution. The end result is an extruded film that is printed on and converted into a bag.

Providing the same high-level of protection as the previous alternative, the solution prevents moisture and light damage has strong sealing properties and delivers outstanding print quality to maintain on-shelf appeal for Essity’s European recognised brands such as Bodyform, Libresse, Nana and Nuvenia.

“The challenge was to find the best combination of renewable and recycled content that maintains product quality and the production efficiency already enjoyed by Essity said Marjo Kuisma, responsible for consumer flexibles regional sales at Mondi. “We tested several options until we found the most suitable solution. Working in collaboration with Essity and Dow validates our EcoSolutions approach – we go back to the start and ask the right questions to ensure we create the best possible solution for our customers.”