UK-based sustainable packaging and paper company Mondi has announced a partnership with traceless, an advanced biomaterial engineering company, to develop a bio-circular packaging coating solution.  

This new solution, derived from agricultural byproducts, is poised to replace traditional plastic coatings.

It will also help respond to the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging alternatives. 

The collaboration leverages Mondi's expertise in paper coating and packaging solutions and traceless' proficiency in natural, polymer-based materials.  

The partnership, which initially began in 2021, aims to create a coating that not only meets the functional requirements of various packaging applications but also aligns with environmental sustainability goals. 

traceless has conducted a consequential life-cycle assessment (LCA), which revealed that using the partners' material as a substitute for virgin polyethylene terephthalate can lead to a 76% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from sourcing to disposal.  

The LCA highlighted that when focusing solely on the production and disposal phases, these savings can reach an impressive 95%.  

Additionally, the material has earned home compostable certification from DIN CERTCO as per the NF T51-800 standards. 

The coating's granules are produced at traceless' pilot plant and then applied to Mondi's kraft paper at its research and development centre.  

At the centre, the coated paper undergoes extensive testing to ensure its suitability across a range of end markets.  

Preliminary trials have confirmed the coated kraft paper's resistance to oxygen, water, and fat, as well as its compatibility with various printing requirements. 

Following further assessments, the companies will start industrial-scale production of this solution at a designated plant in Hamburg, Germany. 

traceless CEO and co-founder Anne Lamp said: “By working with Mondi - its team, its machines and its products and processes - we are adapting our existing expertise in innovative biomaterials to reduce plastic barrier coatings in packaging. The goal is to create a truly fit-for-purpose product, that works for as wide a range of applications and industries as possible.”