VIENNA, AUSTRIA — Mondi opened its first recycling laboratory that tests packaging recyclability on Aug. 30. Located at the company’s existing mill in Frantschach, Austria, the lab will allow Mondi to test the recyclability of paper-based packaging that uses non-paper materials, such as coatings.

According to Mondi, its in-house testing lab will speed up the process for developing more sustainable packaging. Though paper packaging offers many sustainable benefits, the packaging must be reinforced with coatings, usually non-paper-based, to ensure product protection. Adding these coatings often impacts the packaging’s recyclability, hence the need for a testing lab, according to Mondi.

The recyclability lab will collect data that can help improve Mondi’s existing packaging products, providing valuable information on a package’s environmental impact.

“The ability to provide our customers with information on the recyclability of our products will be a key enabler in our efforts to develop more sustainable solutions and enhance our value proposition for customers,” said Elisabeth Schwaiger, head of R&D and IP Flexible Packaging at Mondi.

The company will also use the lab to influence the design of new packaging and help improve the circularity of its materials.

“Currently, 78% of Mondi’s group wide portfolio is already either reusable, recyclable or compostable. This recycling lab enables us to move closer to our MAP2030 goals of making 100% of our products fulfill these requirements by 2025,” Schwaiger said.

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