Mondi has announced plans to invest nearly EUR 65 million in three Consumer Flexibles packaging plants in Europe with the aim of increasing production capacity and meeting customer demand for sustainable pet food packaging solutions.
According to Mondi, the investment will see production capacity increase at Consumer Flexible plants in Austria (Mondi Korneuburg) and Germany (Mondi Halle and Mondi Steinfeld). The project is part of Mondi’s previously announced EUR 1 billion expansionary capital investment programme to accelerate growth in sustainable packaging.
Mondi says that work has already started at its Korneuburg plant, including investments in new state-of-the-art machinery and equipment, as well as an expanded production area. The company adds that these changes will lead to a capacity increase and help to solidify the site’s position as a market leader in pre-made retort stand-up pouches for wet pet food.
In addition, the company claims it will invest in new advanced machinery at Mondi Halle and Mondi Steinfeld in Germany to increase the production capacity of pre-made bag solutions for pet food, as well as home and personal care. This will reportedly enable future growth and support customers in switching from multi-layer, non-recyclable packaging to alternatives such as mono-material recyclable stand-up pouches and paper-based pre-made bags.
Mondi claims that the European pet food market has grown significantly in recent years, apparently driven by a consistent rise in pet ownership. The company notes that this trend increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with wet pet food demand estimated to grow 5% annually between 2020 and 2025, according to Wood Mackenzie.
Dirk Gabriel, COO of consumer flexibles at Mondi, comments: “We take pride in being an innovative, agile partner for our customers. With this investment, we continue to take the lead in packaging solutions that are sustainable by design, especially in the pet food industry.
“This investment also supports our Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030) sustainability framework which is focused on circular driven solutions, created by empowered people, taking action on climate. With these projects, we’re increasing operational efficiency and reducing our own energy consumption while also connecting our production network.”
Mondi’s pet food solutions include a mono-material, resealable pouch for the Finnish dog food brand Hau-Hau Champion and two paper-based packaging bags with a functional plastic barrier for German pet food producer Interquell.
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