This successful programme benefits the entire value chain – sack converters gain cost and efficiency savings, cement companies report fewer bag breakages and less dust at filling stations, and consumers receive cleaner products.
With an uptake of some 160-million sacks/year, the cement industry is one of the biggest users of sack kraft in South Africa. Previously, the industry mostly used three-ply semi-extensible perforated sacks. Last year, however, Mondi’s product trials showed that sacks made of highly-porous two-ply kraft paper were better suited to the tough packing and handling conditions for cement in this country.
Mondi’s customers in the sack converting sector are pleased to endorse the change.
Says Nicholas John, Afripack Sacks’ general manager: ‘We were convinced by the better quality and efficiency of switching to Mondi’s highly-porous two-ply sack kraft. What really made it work was great support from Mondi on implementing the change.’
Confirms Craig Dingley, MD of Nampak Sacks: ‘Our cement industry customers have reacted positively to the highly-porous two-ply sacks. They appreciate the greater durability and the fact that cement waste is minimised.’
Mondi Kraft Paper has been present in South Africa for many years as a supplier of high-quality kraft paper to leading converters in the region.