Mondi partnerships focused on waste diversion and plastics recycling initiatives

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper has partnered with One Young World, the global forum for young leaders, on the Lead2030 initiative - a competition to find youth-led practical solutions to drive progress on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mondi has committed $50,000 to fund a project that will make a tangible contribution to SDG12 ‘Responsible Consumption and Production'. 

Online applications are open now with the manufacturer calling for 18-30 year olds from across the world to apply for a chance of receiving both funds and business mentoring from senior figures in Mondi. With Mondi's help, the winning candidate will have the opportunity to turn their concept into a viable solution for tackling waste in manufacturing, which will have a positive impact on achieving SDG12. 

Peter Oswald, CEO, Mondi, said: "We are all well aware of the challenge facing our oceans as a result of poor waste management, but in many parts of the world there is an even greater challenge hidden beneath our feet in landfills.  Mondi has a goal of zero waste to landfill and has made good progress in the last few years, reusing or recycling 76% of current waste.  However, we still send 17% of waste to landfill, so we're looking for bright young minds to help us, and business in general, to identify smart ways to reach a goal of zero waste to landfill.

"We believe that collaboration is key in achieving the SDGs, so we're proud to be partnering with One Young World on the Lead2030 initiative. We're looking forward to seeing the ideas of the talented young applicants and wish them the best of luck in their applications."

Kate Robertson, co-founder of One Young World, said: "Since 2010, One Young World Ambassadors have positively impacted the lives of more than 17.5 million people. They are a testament to the progress young people can achieve when they have a platform from which to lead. Lead2030 will enable this community and young leaders like them to achieve even greater results.

The Global Goals will not be achieved without ambitious and meaningful contributions from leaders across every sector of society. With 380 million jobs predicted to be created by achieving the SDGs, and $12 trillion unlocked in market opportunities, the business case for accelerating progress on the Global Goals is clear. The world leading organisations that have committed to join Lead2030 are not just doing the right thing, they're doing the smart thing for their business." 

Through the Lead2030 Challenge, Mondi hopes to raise awareness on ‘responsible consumption and production' and drive even greater innovation across both its own business and the industry more broadly. 

All winners and representatives will attend the One Young World summit in 2019 taking place in London, UK. Applications for Lead2030 close on 5th January 2019 and the winner will be announced on 17th April 2019.  

Visit www.lead2030.com  to register your interest in the challenges and to find out more about the initiative. 

Mondi partnership with Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UN to help elimate plastic waste
Mondi has also announced that the company has joined forces with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UN to eliminate plastic waste and pollution. With the announcement, Mondi has become one of the first signatories of The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment which will work towards eliminating plastic pollution and creating 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable plastic packaging by 2025.

Mondi has pledged to increase investment in research and development, and drive deeper collaboration throughout its supply chain to move away from non-renewable and non-recyclable plastic. It will use its expertise in paper-based and flexible plastic packaging to enhance its product design and thereby achieve 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic packaging by 2025.
Through the Global Commitment, Mondi has said it will boost the use of recycled content in its products to ensure a minimum of 25% of post-consumer waste is incorporated across all its plastic packaging by 2025.

Peter Oswald, CEO, Mondi said: "We are all well aware of the challenge facing our oceans and landfills as a result of poor waste management. But plastic should never become a waste product, it should retain its economic value. As business leaders we need to seize this opportunity to make a positive difference, not only for the world we live in today but for future generations too."

"Mondi is committed to working with all of its partners to achieve the target of 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable plastic packaging by 2025. We believe working alongside other businesses and governments is key to finding a solution for plastic waste. It is essential for us to drive innovation and broad systemic change throughout the plastics value chain."

Dame Ellen MacArthur, Founder of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, said: "We know that cleaning up plastics from our beaches and oceans is vital, but this does not stop the tide of plastic entering the oceans each year. We need to move upstream to the source of the flow. The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment draws a line in the sand, with businesses, governments and others around the world uniting behind a clear vision for what we need to create a circular economy for plastic. This is just one step on what will be a challenging journey, but one which can lead to huge benefits for society, the economy and the environment. I encourage all businesses and governments to go further and embark on a race to the top in the creation of a circular economy for plastic. One in which this material never becomes waste or pollution."

For over 15 years Mondi has been making sustainable paper and flexible plastic packaging solutions for forward-thinking, fast moving consumer goods brands such as Mars, Nestlé, P&G and Unilever. According to the company, their recent commitment is an important step in creating a truly circular economy.