Mondi, in cooperation with Dreco, has implemented new laundry detergent powder packaging in which 50% consists of post-consumer recycled material, PCR. The solution was developed for products sensitive to moisture and water, for which maintaining appropriate protective performance throughout the packaging life cycle is critical. The re/loop PillowBag packaging used is intended to demonstrate that a high share of recycled feedstock can also be used in flexible packaging for demanding applications in the FMCG segment, without compromising functional performance, quality or user convenience. The solution has already been introduced to retail chains in Germany.
The significance of the implementation is also linked to the direction of regulatory changes in the European Union. Under the PPWR regulation, from 1 January 2030 this category of plastic packaging is to contain at least 35% material derived from post-consumer plastic waste recycling. The 50% PCR level in the Mondi and Dreco solution means exceeding this threshold, while also reducing the use of virgin plastics. According to Mondi, the implementation supports future compliance with the requirements and places Dreco among the companies adapting packaging to upcoming regulations at an earlier stage.
Recycled materials and traceability in the supply chain
To ensure transparency and traceability of material flows across the entire value chain, Mondi applied the mass balance method within ISCC Plus certification. This approach makes it possible to track the allocation of PCR materials throughout the supply chain. In practice, this is intended to confirm the way recycled feedstocks are assigned to the finished packaging solution.
According to the company, the re/loop PillowBag packaging also fits within the assumptions of MAP2030, Mondi's action plan in the field of sustainability. The packaging has been designed for recycling and verified in line with Mondi's Path to Circularity scorecard and the CEFLEX D4ACE guidelines. The packaging structure is regarded as suitable for existing polyolefin mechanical recycling streams, which is intended to support its processing at end of life.
Performance requirements for laundry detergent powder
For laundry detergent powder, barrier properties against moisture and water remain the primary technical requirement. It is this aspect that determines the feasibility of using recycled materials in flexible packaging for this product category. According to the information presented by the companies, the new solution is intended to combine a high PCR share with the level of protection required for hygroscopic products, as well as with the requirements of everyday use.
The packaging has been equipped with an easy-open feature. The manufacturer also points to high print quality, which is intended to improve shelf visibility of the product. This means that the project covered not only material parameters and compliance with recycling requirements, but also elements related to functionality and retail presentation.
Company statements
Milo Drehsen, owner and chief executive officer of Dreco, said: "Reducing the environmental impact of our packaging is a key priority for us, but for products such as laundry detergent powder, performance properties are the most important factor. Cooperation with Mondi enabled us to introduce a solution that combines a high share of recycled materials with the protection our products require. The introduction of this packaging in retail chains in Germany is an important step in implementing our sustainability strategy."
Sandor Kardos, chief executive officer of Mondi Békéscsaba, said: "This project shows how technical expertise and shared sustainability goals can translate into practical solutions that can be implemented on a large scale. Together with Dreco, we developed a recyclable packaging solution with a high PCR content for moisture-sensitive products, which helps our customer stay ahead of regulatory requirements while also meeting today's market expectations."
Mondi and Dreco implement laundry detergent powder packaging containing 50% post-consumer recycled material
