Mondi Uncoated Fine Paper

1. The paper industry has undergone significant consolidation in recent years. How has this shift toward fewer but larger players influenced competition, innovation, and customer relationships?

Consolidation has primarily sharpened the focus on long‑term partnerships and on portfolios that evolve with changing market needs. At Mondi, we work closely with strategic partners and keep adapting our uncoated fine paper portfolio, particularly for digital printing. This enables us to continuously offer a full portfolio of solutions and maintain a competitive edge for our customers so that they can rely on a complete range of relevant solutions without disruption. This approach helps us remain competitive and reliable while creating tangible value for customers through consistency, quality, and service.

2. With the rise of major online printers and digital ordering platforms, how is the demand for uncoated fine paper evolving in both B2B and B2C segments?

Even as digital ordering platforms and online printers become more prominent, the demand for uncoated fine paper is still there. The office paper market continues to serve clear needs, particularly in applications where longevity, legibility, and brand perception are important. What is changing is how customers procure and produce: more orders flow through digital platforms, but the underlying requirement for reliable, high‑quality paper remains stable across both B2B and B2C. The tactile quality and print performance of uncoated fine paper keep it firmly in the mix alongside digital channels.

3. Sustainability regulations are becoming more stringent across the EU and globally. How is Mondi adapting its production processes and product lines to stay ahead of these evolving regulatory demands?

Sustainability is embedded in our strategy through the Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030), which directs investment in climate action, circularity, and responsible sourcing. Mondi has long been a frontrunner in sustainability, pioneering FSC™ certification in the 1990s and embracing Cradle to Cradle principles. Our holistic approach focuses on circularity; designing products for recycling to stay ahead of evolving requirements. We back this with third‑party verification: one of the most extensive portfolios of Cradle to Cradle Certified® uncoated fine papers (a standard assessing material health, product circularity, and broader climate, water/soil, and social criteria), robust FSC™/PEFC sourcing, and Group‑level EcoVadis ratings covering environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. The result is transparent, independently verified choices that keep our papers compliant and future‑fit.

As the regulatory landscape evolves, we help our customers navigate these changes. By providing the necessary resources and support, we empower our customers to adapt to these challenges with confidence and work together with them to accelerate the transition to more sustainable solutions.

4. You’ve emphasized the importance of investments in mill operations. Could you elaborate on how modernization and automation are improving production efficiency and environmental performance?

Investing for the future is at the heart of Mondi’s sustainability strategy. We have made substantial investments across our mills to boost energy efficiency, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and optimize resource use. Notably, technical upgrades at Neusiedler, the construction of a new biomass powerplant in Slovakia to replace a bark boiler, and the installation of a biomass boiler in South Africa to replace a coal-fired unit have all contributed to significant reductions in CO₂ emissions and increased energy self-sufficiency. 

These investments are guided by our Mondi Action Plan 2030 (MAP2030), which sets ambitious science-based targets for climate action and resource efficiency. By modernizing and automating our operations, we not only improve production efficiency and environmental performance but also ensure long-term competitiveness and resilience.

5. In your view, what are the biggest challenges paper manufacturers face in balancing cost efficiency with sustainability goals - and how can innovation help bridge this gap?

Balancing cost efficiency and sustainability is a core challenge. Our investments in advanced technologies, such as biomass boilers and energy optimization, demonstrate that these goals can be achieved together. By reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency, we promote both competitiveness, with reduced costs and improved efficiencies and environmental responsibility. These efforts are part of our commitment to MAP2030 and our broader sustainability framework.

6. With increasing focus on carbon reduction and renewable energy, what specific steps has the paper industry taken to decarbonize its value chain?

According to the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI), the sector has achieved a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to 2005 levels, successfully decoupling emissions from production growth. In 2024 alone, CO₂ emissions per tonne of paper and board produced fell by 6.3%, reaching 0.24 tonnes per tonne produced. This progress is driven by sustained investment in cleaner technologies, greener fuels, and more energy-efficient operations.

Key levers include transitioning to renewable energy such as biomass, improving energy efficiency through modernized equipment and automation, and optimizing processes to lower emissions. These investments help us reduce our carbon footprint and increase energy self-sufficiency and operational resilience, supporting our climate action targets.

The industry is also leading in renewable energy use: over 60% of fuel comes from biomass, largely sourced from side streams of production. Many mills operate as “prosumers,” generating around half of their electricity on-site via highly efficient cogeneration systems. These efforts contribute to the EU’s strategic autonomy, with 91% of natural fibres sourced within the EU from sustainably managed forests and a robust recycling network.

7. Customer expectations are rapidly shifting toward transparency and eco-label certifications. How is Mondi addressing these demands while maintaining reliability and scale?

We are constantly engaging with our customers on sustainability and transparency. To meet these expectations, we offer a broad range of third-party certifications including Cradle to Cradle Certified(R), EU Ecolabel, and FSC™/PEFC across our uncoated fine paper portfolio. EcoVadis provides transparency through independent ratings, and Cradle to Cradle Certified(R) represents a shift change in certification expectations by assessing material health, circularity, and social responsibility. EU Ecolabel further confirms our commitment to high environmental standards. At the same time, our modernized mills and robust supply chain ensure reliable quality and scale, so customers can trust both our products and our commitments.

8. As paper consumption patterns change, where do you see new growth opportunities emerging - whether in packaging, premium papers, or hybrid digital-paper solutions?

As paper consumption patterns evolve, we see new growth opportunities emerging across three key areas: sustainable fibre-based packaging and converting, niche premium papers for luxury and creative markets, and hybrid solutions combining both traditional offset and digital printing. For example, our PERGRAPHICA® range supports premium packaging needs. NAUTILUS® offers high-quality recycled papers tailored to sustainability-conscious customers.

9. Innovation and sustainability often go hand in hand. Could you share some examples of how product innovation at Mondi supports both ecological and performance objectives? 

At Mondi, we believe that choice is essential. We offer a wide portfolio of sustainable solutions, so customers can select the best fit for their sustainability and performance needs - whether that’s recycled papers, Cradle to Cradle Certified®, FSC™/PEFC‑certified, elemental chlorine free (ECF), or niche options such as total chlorine free (TCF). Our product innovation is always tailored to individual customer requirements and printing needs, ensuring that ecological responsibility and high performance go hand in hand. For further guidance, customers can also refer to our Sustainable Paper Guide available through our platform.

10. How does Mondi collaborate with customers and partners to co-develop sustainable solutions that meet diverse printing and communication needs?

Collaboration and close cooperation are key to our success. For example, we co-developed NAUTILUS® ProCycle with one of our customers in Switzerland, tailoring the product to meet specific market needs. In addition, we regularly apply a stage-gate innovation system when developing solutions with customers. This structured approach breaks the development process into defined stages, each separated by decision “gates,” ensuring that ideas are evaluated, refined, and validated step by step. It helps us align closely with customer requirements and deliver solutions that truly add value.

11. From your perspective, what is the future of uncoated fine paper in an increasingly digital world - will it remain relevant, and if so, in what ways?

Uncoated fine paper continues to play a vital role wherever durability, readability, and a tactile experience matter. Books, education, and learning materials are clear examples. Physical interaction with paper supports creativity, comprehension, and focus, making it a valuable analogue complement to digital touchpoints.

Recent developments, such as Sweden’s decision to invest in more reading time and less screen time in schools, underline this trend. Print remains essential for fostering deep learning and reducing digital fatigue, ensuring that uncoated fine paper stays relevant in education and beyond.

12. Finally, looking ahead, what key trends or transformations do you believe will define the next decade for the global pulp and paper industry?

Paper is here to stay and will remain a relevant medium alongside digital channels, especially where trust, learning and tactile quality are valued. I see the industry’s progress being shaped by circularity; designing products for reuse and recycling, credible sustainable certifications, and ongoing investment in efficient, lower-emission operations. These areas are already central to Mondi’s strategy and will continue to drive innovation, resilience and sustainability across the global pulp and paper sector.