• The RISI PPI Awards honours paper and pulp businesses that develop groundbreaking, commercially viable products
• Mondi’s Hug&Hold beverage packaging recognised as a stand-out product that replaces plastic shrink wrap, while saving costs and driving efficiencies

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has won the coveted PPI Award in the Product Innovation category for its Hug&Hold packaging solution. The Fastmarkets Forest Products PPI Awards are the only global awards dedicated to recognising the achievements of companies, mills, and individuals in the pulp and paper sector.

Hug&Hold is a paper packaging solution designed and developed to wrap and transport PET beverage bottles, replacing plastic shrink wrap. It is a recyclable 100% paper-based solution, comprising a kraft paper sleeve and a corrugated clip to secure the bottles and offer a comfortable handle for transportation.

The Product Innovation Award is presented to companies demonstrating how a newly developed product solves an existing need or problem. Hug&Hold is perfect for FMCG brands and beverage producers who want more sustainable packaging solutions that appeal to consumers and meet their product protection needs.

A sustainable, functional, and fully automated alternative to plastic shrink wrap means that brand owners can safely switch to the recyclable paper-based packaging solution without any risk to their product or logistics. With Hug&Hold, Mondi is the first to manufacture and market a complete concept, providing a strong and stable solution made from renewable and fully recyclable materials suitable for existing paper waste streams throughout Europe.

Tarik Aniba, Sales & Marketing Director Corrugated Solutions at Mondi, says: “We are committed to making the most sustainable packaging solutions for our customers and we are very proud to see our innovations being recognised by our peers.”

Silvia Hanzelova, Sales Director Specialty Kraft Paper at Mondi, says: “Leveraging Mondi’s team of kraft paper and corrugated specialists, we were able to develop a fully paper-based solution with minimal material usage. Following thorough testing, Hug&Hold has been confirmed in terms of runnability and viability.”

The award ceremony took place in the city of Prague, Czechia, on 8 March 2023. Find out more about the innovation, Hug&Hold, the responsible way to deliver your beverages.