Mondi advances transition to PE-free wrappers for cut-size paper across European mills

The PE-free wrappers are now available in both matt 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 fibre 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 optimisation. 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 optimisation; 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 matt and glossy wrappers for brands produced at Mondi Neusiedler in Austria and matt 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.