Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has completed the transition to polyethylene (PE)-free wrappers for its entire Mondi-branded cut-size paper portfolio produced at Mondi SCP in Ružomberok, Slovakia. The Neusiedler mill in Austria is scheduled to complete its transition to PE-free wrappers by 2026. This milestone strengthens Mondi’s position as an industry leader in sustainable paper solutions and supports customers in meeting sustainability goals and regulatory requirements. 

The PE-free wrappers are now available in both matte and glossy finishes for Mondi’s leading brands, including NAUTILUS, BIO TOP 3, IQ, MAESTRO, Niveus, Color Copy and DNS. 

Solid benefits for the environment and customers

By removing the polyethylene layer traditionally used in cut-size ream wraps, Mondi’s paper-only wrapper can be recycled more efficiently. It enables easier fiber recovery and eliminates the need to separate plastic from paper during the recycling process—while continuing to protect the product and maintain visual appeal. 

Market tests confirm that the PE-free solution performs on par with PE-coated wraps. The transition reduces plastic use by approximately one kilogram per tonne of finished cut-size paper, lowering material impact across both Slovak and Austrian production sites. 

Sustainability and proven performance through innovation

The development and roll-out of the PE-free wrapper is the result of Mondi’s ongoing investment in R&D and process optimization. Comprehensive internal testing and customer trials have verified high reliability in packaging protection, storage and end-use performance.

“Our move to PE-free wrapping is more than just packaging optimization; it reflects our strong commitment to sustainability. Customers can continue to rely on the same high-quality paper they know, now delivered in a wrapper that offers significantly improved recyclability,” said Bernhard Cantzler, Marketing & Sales Director, Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper.

Mondi is also extending PE-free options to Customer Owned Labels (COLs), offering matte and glossy wrappers for brands produced at Mondi Neusiedler in Austria and matte finishes for Mondi SCP in Slovakia. This gives customers the opportunity to join Mondi on its sustainability journey and highlight the PE-free feature on their packaging.