Mondi, Thimonnier Partnership Creates Recyclable Refill Packets

Global packaging and paper supplier Mondi joined forces with French machine supplier Thimonnier to develop a recyclable packaging that reduces plastic waste.

The companies created a new packaging for liquid refills that’s designed to be completely emptied. The “berlingot”-style sachet is made of recyclable monomaterial, coextruded polyethylene (PE). The lightweight plastic bottle replacement reduces plastic usage by more than 75%. The refill solution can replace the current industry standard of multilayer polyvinyl chloride (PVC) refill containers, which are effectively not recyclable.

The unusual shape of the sachet is eye catching and differentiated. The durable and leak-proof solution allows consumers to smell the product inside, a particularly useful feature for the liquid soaps it is designed to protect. The lightweight material also makes it more convenient for customers, especially those who are buying in-store.

“Our goal working with Mondi was to find a packaging alternative with low environmental impact and good runnability,” explains Eric Duhoo, general manager at Thimonnier. “We are pleased to have found a solution that achieves both.”

The partnership supports Mondi's plans to help build a circular economy.

According to Olivier Werbrouck, Mondi regional sales consumer flexibles, “Our Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030) sustainability framework sets ambitious goals to tackle global issues across the value chain: creating circular-driven packaging and paper solutions that are made by empowered people taking action on climate. We are proud and excited to partner with customers like Thimonnier to achieve our goal of keeping materials in circulation and making a real difference.”

MAP2030 includes a target to make 100% of Mondi’s products reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. The sustainability plan also includes other commitments and targets in relation to circular driven solutions, people, and climate.