Packaging Strength Collaboration for Fresh Produce Supply Chains

Mondi and Pacapime Hungary are collaborating on technical optimisation of corrugated packaging systems using high-performance containerboard to meet strength, durability and ventilation requirements in fresh produce supply chains across Central and Western Europe. The cooperation focuses on material selection and process integration to enhance packaging reliability and operational efficiency.

Context of the Cooperation
Mondi, an international paper and packaging producer, supplies containerboard grades engineered for industrial corrugated applications, while Pacapime Hungary operates an integrated corrugated manufacturing site in Mórahalom with an annual production capacity up to 180 million m². Pacapime’s output serves fresh produce sectors in Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Serbia and Western Europe. The partnership addresses challenges in packaging fresh fruit and vegetables–specifically balancing mechanical strength, effective ventilation and processing consistency during high-volume corrugator operation.

Technical Solution and Responsibilities
The technical core of the cooperation is the deployment and iterative optimisation of Mondi’s ProVantage SmartKraft Brown containerboard grade. This material features a 100 % fresh fibre top ply designed for consistent surface quality and stable mechanical properties, including burst and tear resistance necessary for stacked produce boxes. Runnability on high-speed corrugators and consistent processing properties are key parameters supporting efficient production cycles.

Mondi provides on-site support, joint trial planning, and data exchange to align containerboard specification with Pacapime’s production processes. Pacapime, in turn, applies lean manufacturing practices and in-house process control to integrate the selected containerboard into corrugated box production, adjusting flute profiles and adhesive schemes where required to meet ventilation and strength targets.

Deployment and Integration
The solution is actively implemented at Pacapime’s Mórahalom facility, where production lines are configured for high-throughput packaging runs for apples, pears, tomatoes and bell peppers. Technical integration includes evaluation of board performance in corrugators, box conversion equipment and logistics handling. Iterative adjustments in material grade selection and process settings are guided by joint trials and performance data, supporting stable production across seasonal demand peaks.

Applications and Use Cases
Target applications are industrial and retail fresh produce packaging requiring controlled ventilation, physical protection and aesthetic quality. Use cases include distribution boxes for produce exported across Europe, where packaging must withstand mechanical stress in palletised transport and preserve product integrity until retail presentation.

Expected Impact and Operational Benefits
The cooperation yields measurable operational benefits: improved corrugator runnability, predictable box strength metrics, and reduced downtime due to material variability. Technical alignment between material properties and manufacturing parameters supports enhanced process stability and packaging consistency. Sustainable outcomes are supported by using recyclable fresh fibre containerboard and investments in Pacapime’s water treatment systems and energy infrastructure.

Technical Perspective
By combining expertise in containerboard material engineering with practical corrugated production techniques, Mondi and Pacapime Hungary aim to maintain high levels of packaging performance while managing resource efficiency and supply chain demands in fresh produce industries.

www.mondigroup.com