Mondi is expanding its sustainable high-performance paper barrier range with the launch of FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate.

The new paper-based solution is designed to meet the most demanding packaging requirements, offering protection against oxygen, water vapour, and grease.

The high barrier applications of FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate make it suitable for packaging a range of products, including instant coffee sticks, tea sachets, dried food seasonings, and muesli or cereal bars. It ensures a long shelf life and convenience for consumers.

FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate is compatible with existing horizontal and vertical form-fill-seal packing lines, enabling seamless integration into current production processes.

Following a €16m ($18.7m) investment in modern technology at its plant in Solec, Poland, Mondi is increasing the production of this innovative barrier paper.

The solution has a low oxygen transmission rate and water vapour transmission rate.

Mondi's internal product impact assessments highlight that this solution offers much lower cradle-to-grave carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional multilayer plastic or aluminium-based materials.

Included in Mondi's re/cycle portfolio, FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate is crafted to be recyclable based on the guidelines of the Confederation of European Paper Industries' Recyclability Laboratory Test Method and adheres to the 4evergreen Recycling Evaluation Protocol, which is applicable to recycling mills operating standard processes.

Mondi consumer flexibles COO Dirk Gabriel said: “FunctionalBarrier Paper Ultimate is the result of customer-driven innovation. With this solution, we are helping brands to move away from multimaterial packaging that is unrecyclable, without compromising on performance.

“This is another concrete step towards our MAP2030 sustainability commitments of designing circular-driven solutions, created by empowered people, and taking action on climate. As of today, 87% of Mondi’s packaging solutions are already reusable, recyclable or compostable.”

Mondi's broad range of FunctionalBarrier Papers allows customers to select the barrier level that best suits their product needs.

This new addition to the range supports brands in achieving their circular economy goals by meeting regulatory requirements and responding to consumer demand for sustainable packaging options.