Mondi has introduced a redesigned banana box that is lighter, uses more recycled material, and maintains the strength needed for long-distance fruit transport. The development was the result of collaboration between Mondi, trading partner Europcell, Ecuadorian exporter Incarpalm, and a European importer.
The project began with Mondi’s containerboard team exploring whether standard banana boxes could be made more sustainable without reducing durability. The new design combines ProVantage SmartKraft Brown, known for its strength, with ProVantage Frescoflute, a semi-chemical fluting that provides firmness in lightweight packaging. The resulting box contains around 40% recycled fibre and weighs up to 10% less than conventional designs, reducing transport emissions while maintaining product protection.
A full-scale production and transport trial took place in Ecuador in 2024, with bananas shipped to Europe over 33 days. Sensors monitoring humidity and temperature confirmed that the boxes retained their integrity even in conditions of up to 100% humidity.
Incarpalm operations manager Jorge Romero said the project demonstrated how innovation and practicality can be combined, while Mondi’s sales director Gijs Huisman described it as an example of effective collaboration across the supply chain.
The design comes ahead of new EU regulations, including a 2026 ban on plastic liners in banana boxes, which is expected to increase demand for fibre-based alternatives.
