The firm collaborated with National Test Centre Circular Plastics (NTCP) in the Netherlands to prove the effective sorting of its plastic packaging during the recycling process
Mondi conducted series of tests to demonstrate that its mono-material PP pouches and rollstock material can be sorted into the suitable recycling streams. (Credit: Mondi)
Mondi has conducted a series of tests to demonstrate that its mono-material polypropylene (PP) pouches and rollstock material can be sorted into suitable recycling streams.
The packaging firm implemented these tests in collaboration with the National Test Centre Circular Plastics (NTCP) in the Netherlands.
Both parties stimulated realistic packaging waste management conditions to determine the sortability of Mondi’s recyclable mono PP packaging.
The tests were conducted leveraging advanced technical setups on the prefabricated retort and standard pouches, spouted pouches, top web, and thermoformed semi-rigid tray material.
These were made from mono PP-material and used for applications that require high barrier protection, such as wet pet food or processed meat.
Mondi’s top web and thermoformed semi-rigid trays were successfully sorted into the right recycling stream by simulating real-world settings in the tests.
Pre-made pouches from Mondi were also correctly identified, setting the bar for sorting streams that must yet be created across Europe and supplying high-quality materials for plastic recycling procedures.
Mondi Flexible Packaging FMCG & Industrial channel manager Thomas Kahl said: “To achieve the plastic recycling targets defined in the revised PPWD1, the sorting and recycling of plastic waste must be significantly improved.
“As a market leader, we are strongly committed to contribute to this target by testing the sorting performance for our packaging.”
Kahl added: “The outcome of the tests shows that our mono-material polypropylene packaging is recognised and categorised into the correct sorting stream in advanced waste management facilities.
“We are particularly proud that we also succeeded for demanding applications such as retort wet pet food pouches.”
The tests are part of Mondi’s MAP2030 sustainability goals to create circularly driven solutions with new paper and packaging solutions, maintain resources in use and reduce waste.
By 2025, the firm intends to eliminate all non-recyclable packaging and create uniform designs that adhere to circular economy or recycling standards.