Mondi Coatings introduces paper-based bag coated with biodegradable, compostable and recyclable biopolymer solution Sustainex; bags will be used to collect used aluminum capsules as part of Nespresso Austria recycling program

Elyse Blye

JOHANNESBURG , May 12, 2014 (press release) – Following intensive product development, Mondi Coatings has introduced an innovative paper-based bag coated with Sustainex®, Mondi’s biodegradable, compostable and recyclable biopolymer solution. The novel bag will be launched as a collection bag for the Nespresso recycling programme. Thanks to the biopolymer extrusion coating of the FSC™-certified paper and a sealing strip, the bag can be safely closed and sealed against moisture.

Nespresso introduced a collection and recycling system for used aluminium capsules as part of the Nespresso Ecolaboration™ programme in 2009 with currently over 1'300 recycling collection points in Austria, adding up to a recycling capacity of 84%. According to the company, recycled aluminium generates only 5% of the CO2 emissions that are associated with primary aluminium. In order to offer its customers the utmost convenience, Nespresso Austria asked Mondi to develop a customised collection bag that reflects its sustainability principles.

Ranking among the pioneering companies that attach strategic importance to bioplastics, Mondi Coatings has assumed a leading role in the development of sustainable packaging. Sustainability and convenience are key elements of this product innovation. The aim was to create a collection bag that perfectly puts the Nespresso sustainability commitments into effect. Mondi was therefore identified as the ideal partner for satisfying the strict environmental and convenience demands of this project. Within a short period, Mondi Coatings originated the perfect solution: a paper-based bag made of FSC™ (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper with a Sustainex® coating. The collection bag is made from renewable raw materials (up to 85%) and the paper and coating are fully biodegradable according to DIN EN 13432.

The novel solution offers utmost stability thanks to the rigidity of the FSC™ paper and the rectangular flat bottom. "The use of paper in combination with Sustainex® supports both the look & feel and the high environmental requirements that Nespresso envisioned," explains Michael Strobl, Managing Director Mondi Extrusion Coatings. Thanks to excellent sealability and its grease and moisture barrier, Mondi’s Sustainex® ensures maximum safety and tightness. Furthermore, the biopolymer coating is thermo-sealed and largely dispenses with glue, thus making this packaging an eco-friendly and biodegradable solution. "Both companies, Nespresso and Mondi, are strongly committed to sustainability and innovation," continues Strobl, before concluding. "Thanks to our in-depth know-how of biopolymers and various packaging technologies, we were able to develop a truly perfect solution in cooperation with Nespresso."

„Recycling of capsules is one of the major corner stones of the Nespresso Ecolaboration™ programme. As market leader, we value corporate responsibility and are proud of our independent recycling system. In close collaboration with leading experts, we want to make it as convenient as possible for our club members to collect coffee capsules. Thanks to the new Nespresso Recycling Bag we are confident to increase our recycling rate even more", comments Dietmar Keuschnig, Market Director Nespresso Austria on the innovative recycling bag. The collection bag offers customers maximum convenience – once the bag is full, it can safely be closed with the help of a sealing strip and then easily transported to one of 1.300 local recycling points. Both the bag and the coffee are fully compostable and the aluminium is infinitely recyclable – a perfect example of Ecolaboration™ in action.

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