Mondi and WBB Partner to Bring Recyclable Paper-Based Bread Bags to UK Retail Shelves
Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging, has partnered with UK packaging supplier Welton, Bibby and Baron (WBB) to introduce innovative, recyclable paper-based bread bags to the food and FMCG sectors. This collaboration marks a major step forward in offering sustainable packaging solutions for pre-packed fresh bread products across the UK.
WBB is converting Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper Reduce into brown and white paper bags designed to keep bread products fresh while providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional, non-recyclable packaging. Mondi’s FunctionalBarrier Paper Reduce is a lightweight, strong kraft paper, responsibly sourced and coated in-house to maintain essential barrier properties such as protection against water vapor, grease, and moisture.
The paper bags not only preserve the quality of the bread, ensuring it remains soft and fresh, but also provide consumers with a more sustainable packaging option. The brown bag features a glassine window that can be recycled together with the bag, while the white bag has a detachable film window that can be separated and recycled through appropriate waste streams. Both packaging options qualify for recycling labels from the On Pack Recycling Label Scheme (OPRL) and are compatible with kerbside recycling across the UK.
Mick Robinson, Business Solutions Manager for Functional Paper and Films at Mondi, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, "With our MAP2030 sustainability targets, we are fully committed to developing circular packaging options. This partnership allows us to support brands and retailers in their journey towards sustainability, providing solutions that align with the needs of environmentally-conscious consumers."
Andrew Lockyear, Technical Manager at Welton Bibby & Baron, added, “Working closely with Mondi’s team allowed us to bring this innovative solution to market quickly. As we look ahead to future regulatory changes, this partnership will help us proactively lead the way in sustainable packaging.”
This new line of recyclable bread bags represents a major milestone for both Mondi and WBB, setting a new standard in sustainable packaging within the food industry.
