Mondi and traceless collaborate on bio-recyclable packaging coating

Mondi, the UK-based sustainable packaging and paper company, has announced a collaboration with traceless, an advanced biomaterials engineering company, to develop a bio-recyclable packaging coating solution. The collaboration leverages Mondi’s expertise in paper coatings and packaging solutions and traceless’s proven skills in natural polymer materials.

This new solution, derived from agricultural byproducts, is expected to replace traditional plastic coatings and will also help meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging alternatives. The collaboration was initially launched in 2021 with the goal of creating a coating that not only meets the functional requirements of various packaging applications but also meets environmental sustainability goals. A major life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted by traceless showed that replacing virgin polyethylene terephthalate with the partner’s material could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 76% from sourcing to disposal. The LCA highlights that these savings can reach an impressive 95% when focusing only on the production and disposal phases.

In addition, the material has been certified as home compostable by DIN CERTCO according to the NF T51-800 standard. The coated particles are produced at traceless’ pilot plant and then applied to its kraft paper at Mondi’s R&D center. At the center, the coated paper undergoes extensive testing to ensure its suitability for a range of end markets. Initial trials have confirmed that the coated kraft paper is resistant to oxygen, water and grease, and meets a wide range of printing requirements. After further evaluation, the two companies will begin industrial-scale production of the solution at a designated plant in Hamburg, Germany.

Anne Lamp, CEO and co-founder of traceless, said: “By working with Mondi – its team, machines, products and processes – we are adapting our existing expertise in innovative biomaterials to reduce plastic barrier coatings in packaging. Our goal is to create a truly fit-for-purpose product that is suitable for the widest possible range of applications and industries.”