Mondi Expands Digital Printing for Kraft Packaging

Retail packaging for premium consumer products increasingly combines branding, traceability, and recyclability requirements within a single packaging format. In this context, Mondi developed brown kraftliner packaging with white digital printing for the launch of the “All American Bourbon” glass series from Riedel Glass.

The packaging project combines white digital print technology, data-to-print workflows, and recyclable paper-based packaging for retail and supply chain applications.

White digital printing on brown substrates
The packaging design for the Riedel Glass product line includes fine graphical details, small typography, and integrated QR codes, requiring high print precision and contrast on brown kraftliner material.

To achieve this, Mondi used high-performance digital printing technology capable of reproducing detailed graphic elements directly on brown paper substrates without conventional printing plates or clichés. Instead of analog plate-based processes, the system applies ink digitally in fine droplets, enabling detailed image reproduction and reduced setup requirements.

Following an investment in white digital printing technology at Mondi’s Ebersdorf facility in Germany, the process can produce high-opacity white print layers with sharply defined contours on brown kraftliner surfaces. This improves readability for small text and machine-readable codes while maintaining the appearance of unbleached paper packaging.

Variable packaging and serialized traceability
The data-to-print workflow also supports variable packaging production within a single print run. Different artwork versions, regional packaging variants, and target-group-specific graphics can be produced without additional tooling or setup changes.

The system additionally supports serialized barcodes and QR codes, enabling individual package identification throughout the supply chain. This functionality can support automated logistics processes, digital supply chain tracking, and product traceability requirements.

Because digital printing does not require physical printing plates, packaging updates and design changes can be implemented more quickly than in conventional analog workflows, particularly for smaller or customized production batches.

Recyclable packaging for premium retail presentation
The final packaging structure remains fully recyclable while supporting high-resolution print quality typically associated with coated or lighter-colored substrates. The combination of kraftliner material and white digital printing allows brands to retain a natural paper appearance while incorporating high-contrast graphical elements and scannable digital features.

Edited by Aishwarya Mambet, Induportals Editor, with AI assistance.

www.mondigroup.com