Mondi and Biedronka have expanded their partnership with the launch of Recyklobox, a new collection solution designed to support Poland’s developing deposit return system.
The initiative reflects growing pressure on retailers and suppliers to comply with tightening environmental regulations while managing costs and operational complexity.
Recyklobox is a corrugated board container developed to collect returnable packaging covered under deposit schemes. The structure consists of a lower compartment where bottles are deposited and a lid equipped with an opening for returns, along with a corrugated attachment designed to accommodate a scanner. The unit is constructed from five-layer corrugated board, providing the durability required for high-traffic retail environments.
The material composition includes 80% recycled paper and 20% virgin fiber, allowing the container to be reprocessed at the end of its lifecycle. The companies say the design aligns with their broader sustainability strategies, which emphasize circular material use and reduced environmental impact.
“At Mondi, our ambition is to create solutions that go beyond packaging, as we understand the real impact these have on how modern retail operates. By developing Recyklobox together with Biedronka, we have combined functionality, environmental responsibility and rapid implementation. We are pleased that together we have created an innovation that effectively responds to specific market needs,” says Mateusz Buchowiecki, National Key Account Manager at Mondi.
The companies position the solution as a lower-cost alternative to traditional reverse vending machines, which are commonly used in deposit systems but can be expensive to install and maintain. Recyklobox is designed for straightforward assembly and deployment, enabling retailers to scale collection points quickly across store networks.
According to the companies, the approach has already delivered measurable results. Biedronka reported collecting 29,152,902 returnable bottles by the end of March, ahead of a broader rollout of conventional machines across its stores.
“Recyklobox is an example of how innovation can go hand in hand with responsibility. In our cooperation with Mondi, we chose a solution that allows us to respond quickly and efficiently to the new legal requirements while supporting the use of sustainable materials,” emphasises Katarzyna Garbarska, Jeronimo Martins Polska.
The project builds on earlier collaboration between the two companies, including a closed-loop program aimed at improving material reuse. Executives say the latest initiative highlights how packaging design and retail operations can be aligned to meet regulatory demands while supporting consumer participation in recycling efforts.
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