Packaging can make homecare more sustainable

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has highlighted the power of packaging in creating a more sustainable homecare industry.

Thomas Kahl, Head of Sustainable Packaging Solutions FMCG & Industrial Channels at Mondi Flexible Packaging, addressed industry leaders at the Smithers International Cleaning Products Conference in Prague on 29 and 30 March 2022 and discussed the ways in which packaging can help manufacturers become more proactive in their approach to the environment.

This was an opportunity to share insights with the global homecare market, which grew at an unprecedented rate in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to grow at a faster rate than pre-pandemic levels over the coming years. This increased demand means more products are being produced, with more waste to be dealt with responsibly.

The EU Plastic Strategy aims to transform the way plastic products are designed, produced, used and recycled in the EU. It’s vital for the environment but also for commercial success as consumers are increasingly pivoting towards brands that are taking more meaningful steps to address sustainability. 64% of consumers (across France, Italy, Poland and Spain) said they have switched to household brands that have adopted a more sustainable packaging solution in the past year alone[1].

As a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, Mondi can help the homecare industry to close the loop of circularity through its customer-centric EcoSolutions approach - by closely collaborating with customers and suppliers to balance resource efficiency with the lowest possible environmental impact.

There are many factors to consider and it can seem complex, but the aim should be for manufacturers to balance resource efficiency with the lowest possible environmental and social impacts. There is no ‘perfect’ solution, but the packaging itself serves an essential purpose and Mondi used the event to highlight some of the different packaging approaches that can be employed to help turn the tide of climate change.

It might not seem clear at first which solution will be the most effective, but by working together, product manufacturers, logistics companies, material suppliers and packaging experts such as Mondi can make changes to drive progress at scale.

One key step in Mondi’s approach is to explore opportunities to reduce material use in favour of more sustainable alternatives – related to the packaging as well as product itself. This can be seen in a collaboration between Mondi and UK supermarket chain Tesco where the companies worked together to develop a fully recyclable mono-material pouch for Tesco’s dishwasher tablets.

Another approach is to replace plastic packaging with paper or bio-based alternatives. Mondi’s Functional Barrier Paper is a range of recyclable paper-based packaging with tailored barrier properties that reduces the amount of plastic used and provides moisture and vapour-proof packaging.

For the home & personal care industry in particular, the use of post-consumer recycled material is an effective alternative that reduces the reliance on fossil-based primary resources. A large number of resin producers are currently investing in additional mechanical recycling facilities that will increase the availability of materials, while chemical recycling can address hard to recycle plastics and provide much needed post-consumer resins suitable for food application.

A refill option, meanwhile, is perfect for ensuring that where plastic does need to be used, it is created well, then refilled and re-used for a long time. Mondi has worked with market-leader Henkel to create a lightweight, recyclable refill pouch for its dishwashing liquid, which can then be decanted into its 100% recycled PET pump dispenser. This move helps Henkel consumers reduce plastic by 70%.

Mondi is uniquely positioned to cater for the home care market, providing paper, plastic and hybrid solutions to offer tailored packaging for companies operating in the brand and private label spaces. With state-of-the-art technology, investment, ongoing R&D and innovation and a truly collaborative approach, Mondi’s experts help brands and private labels in the homecare industry drive progress.

Learn more about our EcoSolutions approach here.

[1] Packaging redefines value for household products, 2021, Mintel