Mondi starts up recycled containerboard mill in Italy

Last week, global paper and packaging company Mondi officially started up its recycled containerboard mill in Duino, Italy, after a nearly yearlong conversion project.

Mondi purchased the mill from Burgo Group in early 2023 for about $43.3 million with plans to convert the facility from producing lightweight coated mechanical paper to recycled containerboard. The project began in May 2024 and represents a $216 million investment for Mondi.

“Starting up this machine on time is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team,” Mondi Corrugated Packaging CEO Markus Gärtner says. “With Mondi Duino now part of our integrated value chain, we are excited to serve our customers with sustainable packaging solutions from our expanded network of six containerboard mills worldwide.”

Once fully ramped up, the mill is expected to produce 420,000 metric tons of recycled containerboard annually, increasing Mondi’s integration and, the company says, enhancing security of supply for its customers.

Throughout the ramp-up phase, Mondi says it is focused on maintaining consistent production of high-quality recycled containerboard made from 100 percent recovered paper. The company, which is based in Weybridge, England, notes that the recycled containerboard produced at the Duino mill is ideal for lightweight corrugated solutions and that the paper grades support cost-efficient, fully recyclable packaging solutions for applications such as e-commerce and consumer goods packaging.

The Duino investment is part of Mondi’s $1.3 billion in approved investments in organic growth projects aimed at meeting the demand for sustainable packaging as well as enhancing its product offering and reducing environmental impact.

“We are excited by this opportunity to invest in the growth of our packaging business, build on our integrated platform and broaden our geographic reach,” Mondi Group CEO Andrew King said in May 2024 when the project first was announced.