VIENNA, AUSTRIA — Mondi partnered with Vafo Group to develop a recyclable mono-material packaging solution for its Hau-Hau Champion brand, a popular mass-market dog food in Finland produced by Vafo Group subsidiary Prima Pet Premium Oy.

The package is a high barrier, recloseable solution designed to maintain freshness without contributing to plastic waste streams. Previous packaging used by Hau-Hau Champion contained multiple layers of materials including a metalized layer, making it effectively unrecyclable, Mondi reported. The company has now replaced the multi-layer material with mono-material options, including a reel material for 1.5-kg packages applicable for form/fill/seal applications, and pre-made FlexiBag Recyclable pouches for bags up to 15 kg.

“Through our EcoSolutions approach, we help customers find environmentally responsible alternatives without compromising on performance, ease of use, or aesthetics,” said Thomas Kahl, EcoSolutions project manager at Mondi. “For Hau-Hau Champion, this involved asking many questions to gain deeper insight into the needs of the brand and its end users, as well as collaborating closely throughout the process to test and evaluate all solutions. The new packaging also supports Mondi’s MAP2030 sustainability goal to make 100% of its products reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.”

Convenience features such as recloseability and carrying handles also addressed consumer demands. To optimize palletization, the exterior of the package features an anti-slip matt lacquer with a valve that allows air to escape from the package during transport.

This new packaging solution for Hau-Hau Champion supports the company’s environmental goals.

“With Hau-Hau’s brand refresh, we were looking for packaging that fully aligns with our commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of our products and operations as well as upgrades the packaging to match the high quality of the product content,” said Suvi Sillvan, brand specialist at Hau-Hau Champion. ”Given that this is a premium product, we are especially pleased with the high-quality finish, including the printing, which retains brand familiarity on the shelf and informs consumers that they can easily recycle our dog food packs.”

Hau-Hau Champion will conduct a major rollout of its brand relaunch in Finland this month.

“The new packaging material also fully supports the fact that all our dry dog foods are now completely CO2 neutral through carbon emission compensation,” Sillvan added.

Read more about packaging solutions and trends for pet food and treats.