Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, is partnering with Welton, Bibby and Baron, a leading packaging supplier to the UK food and FMCG markets, to introduce recyclable paper-based bread bags to retail shelves.

WBB is converting Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper Reduce to create brown and white paper bags for different pre-packed fresh bread products. Mondi is producing the strong base kraft paper from responsibly sourced fibres and coats it in-house to ensure the final packaging’s essential barrier properties.

FunctionalBarrier Paper Reduce is the thinnest paper possible in Mondi’s barrier paper range, offering the strength needed for higher filling weights while delivering superb food compliant protection against water vapour, grease and moisture. The final packaging keeps the bread fresh, soft and moist, while offering a recyclable alternative to the previous unrecyclable packaging.

Both bags have a premium appearance with windows so that consumers can easily see the bread inside and at the same time support recyclability of the packaging: the brown bag has a glassine window which can be disposed of in the paper bin and recycled together with the bag. The white bag comes with a detachable film window that can be separated easily from the paper part and disposed of in separate recycling bins by the end consumer. The paper bags qualify for a recycling label from the On Pack Recycling Label Scheme (OPRL) and can be conveniently recycled via kerbside collection by consumers across the UK.

Mick Robinson, Business Solutions Manager Functional Paper and Films at Mondi says, “With our MAP2030 sustainability targets, we are fully committed to developing circular packaging options to satisfy our customers and their end users, who are looking for more sustainable and convenient solutions in their shopping habits and overall lifestyles. Long-standing partnerships like this mean we can actively support brands and retailers in their steps towards sustainability.”

Andrew Lockyear, technical manager at Welton Bibby & Baron adds, “Close collaboration with the Mondi team meant we had access to a lot of expertise throughout the whole process, enabling us to turn around this brilliant result in such a short time frame. To meet possible future regulative requirements, we’ll be working with Mondi a lot more, further improving existing solutions and proactively leading the sustainability game.”