Developed in collaboration with Megaflex Schaumstoff, a family-owned manufacturer for flexible foams, mattresses and sleeping products, Protector Bag ExpandForm replaces the current plastic packaging for mattress rollpacking with a flexible and recyclable paper bag solution. The innovative packaging not only helps to reduce plastic waste but also ensures optimal product protection and handling during the transportation and storage of rolled mattresses. Its unique design and superior strength provide secure packaging that retains its shape and protects the mattresses throughout the transport journey. The great partnership between Mondi and Megaflex Schaumstoff ensured a smooth transition, and implementation of the new solution, with only a few adjustments to the packaging machinery. By the end of 2023, Megaflex plans to switch its entire range of mattress rollpacking to paper packaging, which is already used for instance by Bett1 to package its kids’ mattresses.

Summary *Strong performance and cash flows despite operating in a generally disruptive demand environment *Most of our businesses were at or above expectations for the quarter due to commercial and operational excellence, with particular strength in the flexible packaging and rigid paper container businesses, offset by weakness in the metal packaging and industrial North American region businesses *Inventory management and destocking trends among our customers as well as inflationary pricing pressures led to lower and increasingly uncertain demand which impacted operational efficiency in our metal and industrials businesses *Remained disciplined in managing working capital to generate $349 million of operating cash flow in the first six months of 2023

Peak season means a surge in order volume, rising shipping costs and tighter timelines. Limited labor and warehouse space further heighten the challenges. For many operations and supply chain leaders, efficiency, speed and accuracy dominate the agenda. Meanwhile sustainability goals often fall by the wayside. Yet this is precisely when packaging choices are most visible and impactful. During the 2024 holiday season, U.S. consumers spent a record $241.4 billiononline—an 8.7% increase from the prior year. At the same time, customer expectations for responsible packaging have never been higher: in one study, over 60% of consumers said they’d be willing to pay more for a product with sustainable packaging. And 77% of executives report that sustainability initiatives increase customer loyalty.  A key challenge, however, is that sustainability practices are often deprioritized amidst peak season demands. The solution is to embed sustainability into everyday operations, so it delivers value automatically. With the right approach, companies can cut waste, lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and strengthen brand loyalty—all without adding extra work when it matters most.