Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, is steering the home and personal care (HPC) sector towards a more sustainable future through innovation and circular design. In a recent conversation, Alessandro D’Agostino, Mondi’s Global Business Development Manager for HPC, shared key insights into how the company is transforming flexible packaging while meeting evolving regulatory and consumer expectations.

D’Agostino, who joined Mondi in 2021, brings a unique blend of experience from the machinery side of packaging and an academic background in architecture — an unusual combination that fuels his holistic approach to packaging design. "It’s not just about appearance," he notes, "but how packaging performs within a broader system." This systems-thinking mindset is critical as sustainability becomes a central pillar in packaging development.

The HPC packaging segment — which includes items such as liquid soaps, wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, and detergents — is undergoing rapid transformation. According to D’Agostino, regulatory pressure, particularly from the forthcoming Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), is forcing producers to innovate. At the same time, consumer demand is shifting. In EMEA, 59% of consumers seek products that reflect personal values, including sustainability, making eco-conscious packaging a baseline expectation.

Mondi’s innovation strategy focuses heavily on circularity, with the use of recyclable and mono-material solutions that balance performance with environmental impact. Among the most prominent innovations are:

• re/cycle StripPouch: A 100% PE-based mono-material pouch ideal for liquid detergents and soaps. It features removable, high-quality printed panels that separate easily during recycling, simplifying the sorting process.
• re/cycle EcoWicketBag: A durable kraft paper solution for hygiene products, serving as a recyclable alternative to traditional plastic wicket bags.

These examples highlight Mondi’s commitment to maintaining product integrity while improving recyclability. But as D’Agostino acknowledges, the path isn’t without obstacles. One significant hurdle is preserving barrier properties and shelf life in mono-material structures — critical for liquid-based products. Another is integrating post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, particularly challenging in sectors like feminine care where hygiene and safety standards are uncompromising.

Looking ahead, Mondi is expanding its scope. The company recently launched a paper-based stand-up pouch for dishwasher tabs and continues to invest in R&D via its FlexStudios — an innovation hub designed to accelerate co-development and testing with partners. Future efforts will target high-performance packaging for liquids and gels, ensuring materials meet functional demands without compromising recyclability.

Digital printing is another area gaining ground. With advantages like shorter runs, lower waste, and enhanced customization, it supports the growing consumer appetite for unique, sustainable products that reflect individual identity.

“Sustainability is no longer a differentiator — it’s the standard,” says D’Agostino. “And our role is to provide best-fit solutions for every application, helping customers meet their sustainability goals.”

Aligned with its MAP2030 commitments, Mondi’s holistic, material-agnostic approach ensures each solution — whether paper or polymer — is optimized for recyclability, performance, and regulatory compliance. As the HPC sector evolves, Mondi is firmly positioned at the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation.