Mondi has reinforced its innovation drive in eCommerce packaging with the renewal and expansion of its ISTA-certified laboratory in ThinkBox Bupak, Czech Republic, and the appointment of Gavin Mounce as eCommerce Innovation and Application Director.
The extension of the ISTA Lab’s certification for another two years underscores Mondi’s focus on performance-tested, sustainable packaging solutions tailored for modern logistics and consumer expectations. The laboratory, located in Budweis, enables the company to simulate real-world shipping and handling conditions to verify that new packaging designs withstand the challenges of transport while meeting sustainability targets.
Armand Schoonbrood, Chief Operating Officer of Mondi eCommerce, said: “eCommerce packaging innovation is about creating value for our customers and the environment. Gavin brings a retailer’s perspective to innovation, helping us design packaging that works for both people and planet.”
Mounce, who joined Mondi on 1 November 2025, brings a background in packaging design and innovation management across both the retail and supply sides of the sector. In his new role, he will lead the development of new applications and foster closer collaboration between Mondi’s paper, converting, and design teams. “I’m excited to lead a team that turns groundbreaking ideas into real-world, tried and tested solutions – from concept to the customer’s door,” he said.
Rigorous Testing To Ensure Real-World Performance
The ThinkBox Bupak site serves as Mondi’s dedicated customer engagement and innovation centre, hosting design workshops and enabling customers to co-create packaging prototypes on site. Equipped with an ISTA-certified testing laboratory, it allows for immediate validation of packaging performance under simulated logistics conditions.
The ISTA certification, renewed until October 2027, affirms Mondi’s status as a Certified Testing Laboratory member of the International Safe Transit Association. The certification ensures that testing follows recognised global protocols, verifying that packaging solutions perform effectively throughout their journey from warehouse to end consumer.
“Testing is a crucial part of innovation. Innovation is only valuable if it works in the real world. Our ISTA-certified lab ensures every solution survives the journey from warehouse to customer. The ISTA certification confirms the reliability of our methods and demonstrates our commitment to delivering packaging that performs in every step of the supply chain,” Schoonbrood added.
Laboratory specialists collaborate with brand owners and retailers to define testing protocols and provide rapid feedback through detailed reports and design recommendations. This process includes identifying more efficient board grades or structural adjustments to improve durability and reduce material use.
Supporting Industry Standards And Circular Goals
The Mondi ISTA Lab also holds Amazon APASS (Amazon Packaging Support and Supplier) approval, enabling its customers to test and certify packaging according to Amazon’s Frustration-Free Packaging (FFP), Ships-In-Own-Container (SIOC), and Prep-Free Packaging (PFP) standards. This certification supports the wider industry move toward reducing packaging waste and optimizing packaging volumes across eCommerce supply chains.
In recent years, Mondi has introduced a series of sustainable packaging innovations that reflect its “made for recycling” design philosophy. Among them is the Protective Mailer, a fully recyclable paper-based mailer developed in collaboration with a major online marketplace. The product replaces traditional plastic bubble mailers with an open-flute paper structure that provides equivalent protection without compromising recyclability.
By combining expertise in paper materials, converting technology, and design optimization with rigorous performance testing, Mondi aims to accelerate the transition to circular, high-performance eCommerce packaging. The company’s ongoing investment in testing and innovation infrastructure reflects a broader strategy to position sustainable design as both a commercial and environmental advantage.
