Paper-based packaging - the environment-friendly choice. Performance driven. Every day. Mondi Containerboard presents its latest paper improvements for fruit and vegetable packaging

At today's press breakfast at Fruit Logistica, Mondi Containerboard gave an insight into its latest product improvements and showcased highly functional containerboard paper grades that are suitable for fruit and vegetable packaging.

'We know that packaging can make a crucial difference, particularly in the fruit and vegetable sector because the produce is often exposed to demanding conditions, such as extreme temperature fluctuations and moisture,' says Florian Stockert, Sales Director Containerboard at Mondi Europe & International. Drawing attention to the variety of properties and requirements of paper-based packaging, he continues, 'Long-distance shipping is commonplace in this business and, as a paper producer, we must satisfy the demand for resilient, lightweight, but at the same time sturdy and environment-friendly packaging solutions.'

Pro-environmental packaging shields fresh produce from challenging conditions
Alongside the eco-friendly ProVantage Kraftliner Aqua, which offers water resistance for up to three days, the exhibition highlights this year include the improved quality of ProVantage Fluting Aqua - achieved by rebuilding paper machine PM4 at the Mondi Świecie mill in Poland. The modifications are delivering a variety of benefits to corrugated box producers, fruit and vegetable growers, retailers and end-users. Among other benefits, lightweight packaging offers box producers considerable raw material and transportation cost savings. In addition, the improved moisture profile enables the box to withstand long-distance shipping and thus ensures that fresh produce reaches the supermarket in good condition. The ultimate beneficiary is the consumer, whose high quality requirements are satisfied.

As well as refining its Aqua range, Mondi has been driving improvements in its Appearance portfolio. With the modernised paper machine PM21 at its Syktyvkar mill in Russia, the company has enhanced the quality of the ProVantage Komiwhite grade. It is a first-class paper for strong, shelf-ready packaging solutions that seek to catch the eye with a bright and attractive appearance, and paves the way for enhanced branding.

aqua protec© - the quality and sustainability brand
In solutions using the ProVantage Kraftliner Aqua and/or ProVantage Fluting Aqua paper grades, Mondi offers its aqua protec© brand for high-quality, distinctive, eco-friendly and sustainable boxes that resist the most challenging conditions. 'Besides being able to use the aqua protec© logo to stand out from the competition, customers will be in a position to create boxes that are lighter than standard corrugated board, and with a 35% lower water absorption rate[1],' comments Stockert.

Consumers prefer corrugated boxes for fruit and vegetables
At the press breakfast the sales director also referred to a report published by the German Corrugated Board Industry Association (VDW)[2] in June 2015. It summarises the findings of two representative surveys, both highlighting that consumers prefer corrugated boxes for fruit and vegetable packaging. 'One survey showed that half of consumers consider fruit that is packed in corrugated board to be of a higher quality than fruit contained in plastic crates. An interesting discovery by TNS Emnid,[3] one of the institutes that conducted the research, was that two-thirds of consumers regard corrugated boxes as more hygienic than their multi-use plastic counterparts,' remarks Stockert.

Photos related to this press release are available at:

Fruit and vegetable packed in Mondi aqua protec© box - https://images.mondigroup.com/pindownload/login.do?pin=KYCK9R1HSI7V
(PIN-Code: KYCK9R1HSI7V)

aqua protec© logo - https://images.mondigroup.com/pindownload/login.do?pin=HHKHF3WUAXA5
(PIN-Code: HHKHF3WUAXA5)

Key Visual Semi Chem - https://images.mondigroup.com/pindownload/login.do?pin=M27USIJ9XN6I
(PIN-Code: M27USIJ9XN6I)

Key Visual Appearance - https://images.mondigroup.com/pindownload/login.do?pin=2DFGYMG2U9BE
(PIN-Code: 2DFGYMG2U9BE)

Contact

Waltraud Seiner,
Head of Marketing Packaging Paper
Tel: +43 1 790 13 4754
Email: waltraud.seiner@mondigroup.com

Elisabeth Dock,
Communications Manager Packaging Paper
Tel: +43 664 844 65 20
Email: elisabeth.dock@mondigroup.com

Mondi Paper Sales GmbH, Marxergasse 4A, A-1030 Vienna
www.mondigroup.com

We are Mondi. IN TOUCH EVERY DAY.

Mondi is an international packaging and paper Group, employing around 25,000 people across more than 30 countries. Our key operations are in central Europe, Russia, North America and South Africa. We offer over 100 packaging and paper products, customised into more than 100,000 different solutions for customers and end consumers. In 2014 Mondi had revenues of €6.4 billion and a return on capital employed of 17.2%.

The Mondi Group is fully integrated across the packaging and paper value chain - from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and compound plastics to developing effective and innovative industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Our innovative technologies and products can be found in a variety of applications including hygiene components, stand-up pouches, super-strong cement bags, clever retail boxes and office paper. Our key customers are in industries such as automotive; building and construction; chemicals; food and beverage; home and personal care; medical and pharmaceutical; packaging and paper converting; pet care; and office and professional printing.

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About Mondi Containerboard

Mondi Containerboard is a business segment of the business unit Packaging Paper and a leading international supplier of virgin and recycled containerboard. Within its broad product portfolio, Mondi Containerboard offers a range of appearance papers to satisfy the requirements of both customers and end-users as regards strength, high durability, excellent runnability on corrugators, and high-class printability. It also supplies a full range of kraft grades and, within the Semi Chem portfolio, solutions for packaging applications that are both stable and resistant to moisture. The Recycled range, consisting of 100% environmentally sound paper solutions, rounds off the Mondi Containerboard product portfolio.

Customer focused. Every day.

Mondi`s virgin and recycled containerboard is used to make corrugated packaging, primarily designed to protect customers' products along the value chain and display them at the point-of-sale. With five production sites and a strong sales and logistics network, Mondi Containerboard is well positioned to offer customers a wide range of customised paper solutions. It attaches high priority to customer service, which is delivered through a broad variety of technical seminars and training sessions, technical support, assistance with product optimisation, and full-scale corrugator audits. Mondi Containerboard fulfils customers' needs, every day.

Innovative. Every day.

Mondi Containerboard fosters innovative research and cutting-edge technology. Its commitment is reflected in the work of its Print Competence Centre where customised state-of-the-art printing solutions are developed. In addition, the team of specialists at our Food Safety Laboratory develop optimised solutions that meet highest requirements for food contact and other sensitive applications.

[1] Mondi Group: desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-2107/

[2] German Corrugated Board Industry Association (VDW)/Wellpappe Report 2/2015: https://www.wellpappen-industrie.de/presse/wellpappe-report/2015-06-12-obst-und-gemuese-wellpappensteigen-bevorzugt-151.html?PHPSESSID=2b65148cd0b74b13463dc0b73432acad

[3] ibid

Last change: 04/02/2016

Mondi plc issued this content on 04 February 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 04 February 2016 13:27:17 UTC

Original Document: http://www.mondigroup.com/products/desktopdefault.aspx/tabid-1346/345_read-29326/