Mondi and BIOhof replace plastic wrapping with fully corrugated solution for fresh produce

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Mondi, a leading global packaging and paper manufacturer, has collaborated with BIOhof Kirchweidach, an organic farm in Bavaria, to design a sustainable packaging solution for 500g packs of tomatoes on the vine to be distributed to PENNY supermarkets, owned by major German retailer REWE Group.

Coral Tray fulfils BIOhof’s objective of replacing its previous packaging, which used 2.5 g of plastic film per pack, with a recyclable and plastic-free solution, supporting REWE Group’s sustainability goals. It’s called ‘Coral Tray’ because of its resemblance to undersea coral and contribution to reducing plastic waste, potentially helping to protect marine life. This innovative new packaging is fully recyclable and made of renewable material and recycled corrugated board, which has an average recycling rate of over 80% in Europe.

Packaging experts at Mondi Grünburg in Austria worked with BIOhof’s team to design the one-piece corrugated tray with integrated lid made of lightweight F-Flute. Both the fluting and outer liner are made of 100% recycled material and the KraftTop inner liner ensures it meets food contact requirements. The new solution can be mechanised for up to six different package sizes and gives BIOhof the option of using it for other small organic produce.

''At Mondi we are committed to being Sustainable by Design and were delighted to work with BIOhof to help expand their portfolio of sustainable packaged products. The Coral Tray offers great shelf appeal. Mondi’s expertise ensured the perfect balance was struck between good consumer view of the product inside, tray stability for stacking during transport and perfect stiffness for mechanisation.'' - Jan Blankiewicz, Product Innovation Manager at Mondi Corrugated Solutions

PENNY is pursuing a long-term sustainability strategy in which packaging plays a central role. We do not look at the topic in isolation, but always see it in the context of our fight against food waste. So we do not do without packaging at the cost of throwing much more food away. I am therefore all the more pleased that we have developed fully recyclable cardboard packaging for the Naturgut Bio tomatoes on the vine,” said Patricia Brunn, PENNY Category Director Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers & Plants.

“Due to the stability of the packaging, the product is extremely well protected against damage. It also eliminates the risk of the tomatoes being bruised in the shopping basket or on the way home with consumers. The goods breathe through the air holes, which reduces the risk of mould forming. Likewise, condensation cannot form, which often happens with plastic packaging,” said Florian Steiner, Managing Director of BIOhof Kirchweidach.

Coral Tray is the result of Mondi’s successful customer-centric approach, EcoSolutions, which helps customers to develop packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. By partnering with Mondi, BIOhof was able to switch to an environmentally responsible packaging solution with great shelf appeal, which is a real advantage as a supplier to an important supermarket group.


About Mondi Corrugated Solutions

Mondi Corrugated Solutions, a segment of the business unit Mondi Corrugated Packaging, is a leading supplier of corrugated packaging in Europe, with strong focus on Central and South-East Europe. In 2020 the business won three WorldStar awards, in 2019 the business won seven WorldStar Awards for innovation, to add to five won in 2018, more than any other company worldwide. Through a network of 16 plants Mondi Corrugated Solutions provides innovative design and state-of-the-art printing and gluing technology. The packaging types range from standard transit cases and heavy duty containers to upscale consumer displays. They are applied as shelf- or retail-ready solutions, transport cases or large containers when shipping FMCG's, perishables, industrial and dangerous goods as well as other products.


About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative packaging and paper solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is fully integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and plastic films to developing and manufacturing effective industrial and consumer packaging solutions. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy and intrinsic in the way we do business. We lead the industry with our customer- centric approach, EcoSolutions, where we ask the right questions to find the most sustainable solution. In 2019, Mondi had revenues of €7.27 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.66 billion.

Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP). Mondi is a FTSE 100 constituent, and has been included in the FTSE4Good Index Series since 2008 and the FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Index Series since 2007.


Source: Mondi