Mondi's R41 million upgrade at Felixton successfully completed and Mondiflute launched

Mondiflute is produced from bagasse, a high quality virgin fibre that has similar properties to hardwood fibres. Bagasse is a by-product of sugar processing, which is sourced from the adjacent sugar mill; and as such it supports Mondi's commitment to sustainable development.

"The new bagasse pulp washer at Felixton has allowed Mondi to enhance the proven technology used in Mondi's existing Bayflute, resulting in a product with high humidity strength retention properties required in refrigerated conditions," says Bob Hunt, general manager of Mondi Kraft. Mondiflute is suited to any application that requires the corrugated carton to retain its original strength under dynamic environmental conditions of temperature and humidity and is therefore an ideal packaging solution for agricultural fruit and frozen foodstuffs.

The benefits of the bagasse pulp washer include an increase in pulp washing efficiency and capacity as well as reduced carry-over of process chemicals to the paper machine, giving rise to a cleaner bagasse pulp.

Remaining a single ply fluting medium, Mondiflute is differentiated from Bayflute by its superior base strength and strength retention properties under high humidity conditions, especially cold storage. Other key properties include consistent mass and moisture profiles which are critical during conversion into corrugated cartons.

Mondiflute is produced in a grammage range from 125gsm to 175gsm. "A technical support team is available to discuss product development, innovative packaging solutions and the latest global trends and technology," notes Hunt.