As a result of its customer focused research and development, Mondi’s (Vienna, Austria) technical films business has created and introduced a water soluble film for the smart and convenient packing and dosing of powders, tabs, and granulates. Dissolving completely in water, the film is ideal for single doses of dry materials, such as dishwasher and laundry tabs or bath salts. 

The water soluble film is an example of how customers benefit from Mondi’s synergized research and development strategies, having its core competencies in areas such as plastic films, packaging, paper, and coating brought together under one roof.

The film offers excellent sealing and deep drawing properties, provides an effective barrier to oxygen, and is completely soluble even in cold water. Consumers are also protected from direct contact with the contents, which adds an extra layer of safety. Customers can bolster their sustainable credentials too, through the environmental benefits water soluble films provide compared with standard plastic films. In addition to reducing overall packaging waste, the films are also considered to be biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-inhibitory.

Oliver Sperber, chief innovation officer at Mondi Consumer Packaging, said that "Mondi’s water soluble film provides several layers of benefits for both brands and their customers alike. Our committed application engineers are able to customize the film according to customers’ specific needs, in addition to providing all of the necessary on-site support required to successfully launch a product using this material. Mondi’s pedigree as a packaging provider, with a broad portfolio across many industries, means new product possibilities are being presented on an ongoing basis. Interplay between central and local R&D and Innovation teams, in partnership with our customers even on-site if required, is key to this."

One such collaboration relates to flow pack film tabs for dishwashing applications. Through a collaborative effort between the customer and Mondi’s R&D and Innovation teams, packaging innovation is brought to the next level. This is made possible through specialist teams combining market-specific knowledge and their ability to develop the ideas that result from this process, coupled with the fact that on-site support can be provided from conception through to completion of a project.

While Mondi’s water soluble films are particularly suited to the home and personal care market, a number of applications in other sectors are continuing to emerge. Agrochemical packaging, for fertilizer, sowing, and disinfectants, for example, is a major area of interest, as is the building and construction sector–where the films can be used as liner for bags in the cement industry.

Mondi is an international packaging and paper group, employing some 25,000 people across more than 30 countries. Its key operations are located in central Europe, Russia, North America, and South Africa. In 2016, Mondi had revenues of EUR 6.7 billion and a return on capital employed of 20.3%.