Mondi is expanding production of its innovative range of paper-based EcoWicketBags. This comes in response to increasing demand for sustainable packaging in the home and personal care (HPC) industry, particularly for products such as diapers and feminine hygiene products. By expanding the production of EcoWicketBags at its plant in Szada (Hungary), Mondi further leverages the Group’s integrated value chain, from in-house paper production to coating and converting. EcoWicketBags are made from Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper 95/5 – an exceptionally strong kraft paper which can be customised with specific barrier and protective properties to meet diverse product needs. They are available in a variety of sizes for different applications and provide protection from filling to transporting and storage, as well as being ideal for printing customer branding. EcoWicketBags are made from a renewable material and designed to be recycled in standard European paper recycling mills according to the 4evergreen guidelines.

Mondi held a groundbreaking ceremony in Duino, Italy, today laying the cornerstone on its €200 million investment in the mill acquired in January 2023. The facility’s existing paper machine is being converted into a high-quality recycled containerboard machine which will create job opportunities for current and potential employees, build and evolve partnerships with local stakeholders as well as contribute to the region’s overall economic development. The start-up of the new machine is expected in 2025. Once fully operational, it will be capable of producing 420,000 tonnes of recycled containerboard for sustainable packaging solutions and will be Mondi’s widest recycled paper machine at 8.5 metres. Where possible, the mill will source materials locally in order to contribute to the local economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions through shorter transport distances and strengthen supply chain resilience.

Stora Enso plans to implement a new organisation with seven P&L responsible business areas reflecting the importance of its core business of renewable packaging in the business portfolio. The new flatter and streamlined organisation will increase customer focus, drive operational efficiency with increased integration, reduce complexity and enhance the Group’s performance culture. Following the planned change, the Group’s renewable packaging business will consist of four P&L responsible business areas accounting for approximately 60% of Stora Enso’s full year revenue (2024): Food Service and Liquid Board, Cartonboard, Containerboard, and Packaging Solutions. The offering of these business areas helps customers reduce their environmental impact and benefit from strong sustainability growth trends, leading market positions and a high degree of innovation. Each individual business area offers a wide range of renewable fiber-based packaging materials and solutions, such as cartons, boxes, trays, cups, and bags for various industries such as food and beverage, e-commerce,  pharmaceutical, and cosmetics. The Group’s remaining businesses accounting for approximately 40% of Stora Enso’s full year revenue (2024) continue to be divided into three P&L responsible business areas: Biomaterials, Wood Products and Forest. In addition to their respective businesses, they support Stora Enso’s renewable packaging products through wood sourcing and their important supply of raw material.