With the launch of numerous new industrial bag constructions over the last few years, Mondi’s innovation strength has been internationally recognized by customers and industry awards. The latest innovations, process improvements, and certifications clearly put the focus on sustainable solutions from an environmental and economic point of view.

Research and development for cutting-edge bags solutions
Mondi’s strong commitment to innovation is underlined by the Bag Application Centre (BAC) in Frantschach Austria. Opened in 2008, this R&D facility benefits from its proximity to the Mondi sack kraft paper research centre and the local paper mill in Frantschach, thus covering the whole packaging value chain from raw material to final product application. In the BAC laboratory, specific situations of bag application can be simulated for customers whereas paper manufacturing and processing requirements are covered by the R&D Innovation Centre. A complete range of technology helps researchers realize their innovative ideas. Around 20 highly qualified research associates lay basis for developing cutting-edge products and solutions in both centres.

At the BAC, state-of-the-art laboratory and handling equipment is used to simulate filling, manual handling and storage of bag solutions in order to find the best bag construction for each filling materials. The filling processes can be tested in the laboratory so that the actual filling processes at the customer’s site can be carried out quickly and economically. Notably easy handling of the bags, their trouble-free application onto the filling spout, and efficient de-aeration are crucial for an optimal production flow and high-speed filling.

Innovations with a green edge
The awareness for environmental issues is constantly increasing and waste management directives are becoming more and more restrictive throughout the world. Resource optimisation, waste prevention, re-usage, recycling, composting and energy savings have become the key words for sustainable packaging. “To support the challenging sustainability agenda of customers across all industries, we developed a green range of industrial bags optimized to save natural resources, reduce waste, and provide a measurably reduced environmental footprint”, says Claudio Fedalto, Sales & Marketing Director Mondi Industrial Bags. “The solutions we offer cover various environmental opportunities such as resource economies with one-ply bags, intelligent waste management with biodegradable terra bags and FSC/PEFCTM certified bags for responsible sourcing”, he adds. Various of these cutting-edge packaging solutions have been awarded for their innovation strength and good environmental performance: the biodegradable Terra Bag won the EUROSAC Grand Prix, Sack of the Year 2010, the one-ply bag solution "One" was awarded the Austrian State Prize for exemplary packaging and the Airstream Bag won the Emballissimo Award for its outstanding product protection solution.

Easy Seal, an example of sustainable packaging
The Easy Seal offers considerable advantages in terms of sustainability. First of all, Easy Seal provides outstanding product protection as it reliably seals powdery product even if residues stick to the valve surface. Mike Kowollik, manager of the dry mortar plant of Uzin Utz AG, comments with satisfaction: “All of our bags are subject to a valve tightness inspection and, thanks to Easy Seal, the results have been consistently good.” Secondly, the valve coating provides the benefit of compostability and is “Ok Compost” certified according to EN 13432 and also dissolves completely during the course of a standard recycling process. Last but not least, customers using Easy Seal benefit from lower energy consumption of ultrasonic welding coupled with shorter sealing times.

Saving resources with one-ply bags
One, Mondi’s one-ply bag solution, significantly saves resources and waste by reducing packaging weight and volume compared with two-ply 70gsm bags for 25kg and 35kg. With One and OnePlus, customers benefit from up to 20% lower grammage, less waste and tangible cost savings e.g in transport and efficient filling. One is especially suited for high-speed filling and is made of 110gsm high-performance paper. The excellent porosity of the paper ensures quick de-aeration of the bag while the outstanding strength and stiffness of the paper guarantee a smooth application on the filling spout and high handling resistance of the filled bag. OnePlus, the one-ply solution featuring a film for enhanced moisture protection is available with a classic PE film or a biodegradable film.
 
Intelligent waste management with biodegradable bags
Terra Bag is the first biodegradable valve bag with certified compostability. The compostable paper bag features an optional biodegradable film for humidity protection. Through the different types of terra bags (one or two plies, with or without film), fillers can now select the bag solution best suitable for their filling equipment and logistics – and at the same time underline their commitment for sustainable development. With either composition the entire bag is biodegradable and optimised for industrial composting - turning waste into valuable humus. Life-cycle analyses of bioplastics show that CO2 emissions can be up to 20% lower than those for commodity polymers, when properly disposed of in industrial composting facilities. The “OK Compost” logo can be applied to the customers’ bags thus clearly showing their green commitment and making the compostable bags easily identifiable for further waste treatment.

Continuous FSC and PEFCTM certification
In December 2011, the industrial bags plant in Štetí, Czech Republic, was successfully certified according to FSC standards. This adds one more industrial bags plant to the certified Mondi network. “Mondi’s FSC certified bags present clear, informative labelling. Customers can now ensure their packaging is certified and issued from sustainable sources,” says Jana Podubecka, Managing Director Mondi Bags Štetí. “This is a clear advantage for our customers and end users as they can easily recognise packaging sourced sustainably,” she adds.

Up until now three plants in Austria, France, and Spain were either FSC or PEFCTM certified. With this new certification in the Czech Republic, Mondi industrial bags now provide a larger certified network to its customer. This network will be further extended in the future through a number of planned FSCTM and PEFCTM certifications, which will enhance Mondi´s commitment to sustainable forestry and responds to customer demands.

Both, the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and the PEFCTM (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) promote sustainably managed forests through independent third party certification. This offers customers and consumers the option to choose products from environmentally and socially responsible and economically viable forestry. Both schemes are internationally recognized.