Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has partnered with Japanese consumer goods manufacturer Kao to create a recyclable, lightweight packaging solution for its Goldwell hair-lightening products. The new stand-up pouch reduces plastic usage without compromising on strength and durability. It thus supports Kao and its salon business in their efforts to reduce their environmental footprint and to help salons run their businesses more sustainably.
Goldwell is a salon-quality brand of Kao Salon Division, the fourth biggest professional hair care business in the world. It is a broad offering of hair care, styling, and color products and also includes a range of hair-lightening products created for in-salon use. These were previously packed in rigid plastic containers, however working with Mondi and along its EcoSolutions approach, Kao is reducing the overall amount of plastic in individual packs by 80%.
Mondi’s innovative solution packs powdered products in flexible, re-closable stand-up pouches that are made of mono-material, meaning they are recyclable. The pouch is provided to the user together with paper instructions inside a carton box, enabling the pouch to be stacked when stored and resulting in a lower carbon footprint compared to the previous packaging alternative.
The empty pouches can be folded flat to ensure efficient transport to the factory. When filled, they provide optimum protection for the product, preventing contact with moisture or vapor, and rendering it unusable. The packaging is safe as chemicals cannot diffuse through tightly sealed packs. For convenience, the packaging is also easy to reclose with a recyclable top slider and tamper-evident membrane.