Mondi’s thinnest barrier paper developed into recyclable bread bags

FunctionalBarrier Paper Reduce is touted as the thinnest paper available among Mondi’s barrier paper range. Despite its lightweight design, it provides the strength needed for higher filling weights while effectively protecting food from water vapour, grease, and moisture.

This base kraft paper is made from responsibly sourced fibres and is coated in-house by Mondi. In bread packaging, it helps maintain freshness, softness, and moisture, while being recyclable at the end of its life—unlike previous non-recyclable materials.

The bags come in both brown and white options, offering a premium look with windows that allow full visibility of the contents. The brown bag features a glassine window that can be recycled with the bag, while the white bag has a detachable film window designed for easy removal and recycling in a separate bin.

Mondi states that these paper bags are eligible for the On Pack Recycling Label Scheme (OPRL) and can be recycled through kerbside collection in the UK.

“With our MAP2030 sustainability targets, we are dedicated to creating circular packaging options that meet the needs of our customers and their consumers, who seek more sustainable and convenient choices in their shopping habits,” says Mick Robinson, Business Solutions Manager for Functional Paper and Films at Mondi. “Our long-term partnerships enable us to support brands and retailers in their sustainability efforts.”

Andrew Lockyear, Technical Manager at Welton Bibby & Baron, adds, “Close collaboration with the Mondi team provided us with valuable expertise throughout the process, allowing us to achieve excellent results in a short timeframe. To meet potential future regulatory requirements, we plan to work closely with Mondi to further enhance existing solutions and lead in sustainability.”

In related news, Marks & Spencer recently became the first UK retailer to package its garlic baguettes in paper. The FSC-approved packaging is expected to eliminate 5.5 million plastic units annually, responding to consumer demand for reduced plastic in retail packaging.

Additionally, Lantmännen Unibake Finland, UPM Specialty Papers, and Adara Pakkaus worked together to develop a food-contact, fibre-based barrier paper for use as an inner liner in frozen baked goods packaging last year. This innovation has been nominated for a Sustainability Award in the Commercialized Climate category.

Mondi has also received nominations for its IntegoBag filmless bag in the Pre-Commercialized Renewable Materials category, and alongside Amazon for their paper-padded envelope in the E-Commerce category.