Mondi has developed an e-commerce packaging concept that combines a corrugated outer box with recyclable flexible packaging marked by laser instead of conventional printing. Designed for bag-in-box and online retail applications, the format aims to simplify customisation while improving material efficiency and supply chain responsiveness.

Traditional printed packaging requires artwork to be approved before production, followed by printing plates, inks and minimum order quantities. Mondi’s approach shifts part of the decoration process downstream. Product information, branding or market-specific graphics can be applied directly to the flexible component through laser marking during converting or packing.

This allows companies to adjust designs without producing separate printed films for every product variant. The technology could be useful for seasonal campaigns, regional languages, limited editions and personalised orders, particularly where demand is difficult to forecast.

Packaging inventories can become costly when artwork changes, products are discontinued or regulatory information needs updating. By using a common flexible material and adding information later, brands may reduce obsolete stock and avoid disposing of pre-printed films that can no longer be used.

Laser marking also removes the need for printing inks and plates in the marked areas. According to Mondi, this can lower set-up requirements and support more flexible production planning while preserving the protection expected from e-commerce packaging.

The concept pairs a corrugated shipping box with a recyclable flexible format. Each component can be separated after use and directed towards the appropriate recycling stream where suitable collection systems exist. The design combines the strength and stackability of corrugated board with the lightweight barrier performance of flexible packaging.

This hybrid approach can be adapted to different products and sizes, offering an alternative for applications that need transport protection and an inner flexible liner. It may also help companies reduce the number of packaging variants used across their operations.

The concept received the German Packaging Award 2026 in the Sustainability category. The recognition highlights how laser technologies can support circularity while giving brands greater control over artwork, production volumes and supply chain changes.

For e-commerce businesses, the development reflects a wider move towards packaging systems that remain standardised until late in fulfilment. By combining recyclable materials with on-demand marking, Mondi is positioning the concept as a way to improve agility without sacrificing product protection or visual communication.