SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING LIFECYCLE In 2026, confectionery manufacturers
face increasing pressure to balance recyclability, material performance, and regulatory demands. Regulations such as the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), expanding EPR schemes and packaging taxes across Europe are accelerating the shift from sustainability as a differentiator to a baseline requirement. Under these guidelines, paper packaging must contain no more than 5% non-paper components by weight to be considered compatible with standard paper recycling streams. Brands are therefore moving towards recyclable, renewableand lower- carbon packaging solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing recycling systems. “MonoFlexFibre Pure Twist supports this
open and close. In its closed state, the active site is less accessible, but upon binding a molecule, the lid changes shape to allow binding and catalysis. Notably, a chloride ion was found near the
active site even when no substrate was present, suggesting that the active site forms a positively charged electrostatic microenvironment that may facilitate ligand binding. As the enzyme was heated, it showed a
two-step unfolding process, with a gradual transition beginning at around 60 °C, followed by a second transition near 65–70 °C. This indicates that different parts of the enzyme lose stability at different temperatures, suggesting the presence of structurally distinct regions within the protein. “Our findings suggest the possibility of functional division within the enzyme. We observed that the mobile region near the active site undergoes structural changes in response to ligand binding, and that thermal denaturation proceeds in multiple stages,” says Prof. Nishino. These findings support the idea that
enzymes designed for plastic degradation may require both a stable overall structure and a flexible active site. The rigid core provides the thermal stability needed to withstand industrial conditions, while the flexible lid loop may help the enzyme adapt to bound molecules. By better understanding this balance
between stability and flexibility, the study provides new insights into the function of heat-tolerant enzymes and how they can be improved. “Our study may lead to
the
development of technologies for efficiently decomposing and recycling PET in the future by providing design guidelines for enzymes that possess both heat resistance and potential catalytic capabilities for polymer degradation.
REGULATIONS SUCH AS THE EU’S PACKAGING AND PACKAGING WASTE REGULATION (PPWR),
EXPANDING EPR SCHEMES AND PACKAGING TAXES ACROSS EUROPE ARE
ACCELERATING THE SHIFT FROM SUSTAINABILITY AS A DIFFERENTIATOR TO A BASELINE REQUIREMENT
transition by helping brands reduce plastic use while maintaining product protection and packing efficiency. By focusing on the most eco-efficient and high-performing solution for each application, we help customers balance regulation, cost and performance while aligning packaging with their sustainability goals”, explained Melinda Bonamour, Business Development Manager Paper Consumer & Healthcare at Coveris. Meeting recycling targets while
maintaining product protection The new solution consists of a single
layer of lightweight functional paper and offers reliable sealing as primary packaging for single or double twist wrapped hard candy, chocolate pralines and lollipops, as well as heat-seal flow-wrapped chocolate confectionery. Additionally, the solution offers excellent printability for rotogravure, flexo and digital printing. Transitioning to this paper structure requires no major changes to existing machinery and runs efficiently on high speed and standard FFS packing lines. The solution also supports tightening
This may address the growing challenge of plastic waste and help realize a sustainable resource-recycling society,” concludes Prof. Nishino.
Paper with a twist European packaging manufacturer Coveris introduces MonoFlexFibre Pure Twist, a paper alternative for confectionery packaging. This innovative paper solution replaces less sustainable alternatives commonly used for twist-wrapped confectionery products, including lollipops, hard candy and chocolate pralines, as well as heat-seal flow-wrapped bars and sticks. Developed to meet 95/5 industry paper recyclability guidelines, the lightweight material maintains reliable product protection and efficiency on high-speed packing lines.
recycling requirements for packaging waste, which are particularly relevant for confectionery applications, where material performance and recyclability must be carefully balanced. The PPWR is introducing stricter recyclability requirements alongside higher recycling targets for packaging materials. By 2030, all packaging placed on the market will need to be recyclable, with performance- based recyclability thresholds in place. “These regulatory changes extend
producer responsibility to the post- consumer stage of a product and introduce additional costs for plastic packaging material. Supporting this transition, MonoFlexFibrePure Twist offers confectionery brands an alternative material aligned with industry 95/5 paper recyclability guidelines”, summarised Melinda Bonamour.
APRIL 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 65
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