Mondi, a global enterprise in packaging and paper, has started up its new specialty kraft paper machine at its Štětí mill in the Czech Republic. The EUR 67 million (approximately Rs 595 crore) investment in the machine makes it Europe’s first dedicated paper machine for specialty kraft paper grades made out of fresh and recycled fiber for retail and online shopping bags.
The paper machine will produce up to 130,000 tonnes of specialty kraft paper per year, meaning Mondi will have the largest product portfolio for consumer shopping bags in Europe. This includes white and brown virgin grades and now recycled paper grades that can be used in a range of bag applications from fashion stores to online grocery platforms and home deliveries. The EcoVantage two-ply paper produced on the new machine consists of recycled and sustainably sourced fresh fibers and is 100% recyclable.
The European specialty kraft paper market is expected to grow strongly driven by legislation to eliminate waste caused by plastic shopping bags and consumer preference to move away from single-use plastic.
Kalle Taari, head of Strategy and Product Management Kraft Paper, Mondi, says, “We want to offer converters and brand owners sustainable, 100% recyclable paper-based products for their retail and online shopping packaging. The papers produced on this machine will offer recycled fiber-based products with a natural look, great printability, and strength properties, all pre-requisites for consumer shopping bags. We are excited to be rolling out several options from our EcoVantage range throughout 2021.”
The paper produced will have a trim width of 4.4 meter, with a substance range from 70 gram to 135 gram. The EcoVantage range can be produced with predominantly fresh fiber-based material and also offers combinations of fibers composed of up to 100% pre-consumer and post-consumer waste. Best combination of fresh and recycled fibers is available to offer required strength to hold groceries and fashion goods. Fibers are sourced from sustainably managed forests.
