PACKAGING MATERIALS
mono material packaging. Its argument for this is that, by simplifying material structures, confectionery manufacturers can significantly reduce packaging waste and enable easier recycling at the end of the product’s life cycle. Coveris can, for example, offer its MonoFlexFibre Plus solution – a fibre- based, flexible material that is said to help maintain the freshness and quality of confectionery products while also being fully recyclable within existing paper recycling streams. The material is said to offer a fibre-based structure with a natural look and feel, a range of barrier properties to suit different product needs, and sealing and printability across rotogravure, flexographic, or even digital processes. It is versatile, accommodating various sizes and weights of food contact materials (FCM), and is available for both form-fill-seal (FFS) applications and pre-made bags. “However, if the product application
requires it, hybrid packaging – which we define as being a combination of two or more materials – can also provide a good solution,” continues Melinda. Far from being a compromise, she argued that hybrid formats can offer significant benefits, including enhanced barrier protection, extended shelf life and improved usability. “Importantly, the right hybrid packaging can also support sustainability goals. By carefully selecting compatible materials and ensuring they are easily separable, it is possible to design hybrid solutions that align with recycling
34 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • JULY 2025
BY CAREFULLY SELECTING
COMPATIBLE MATERIALS AND ENSURING THEY ARE EASILY SEPARABLE, IT IS POSSIBLE TO DESIGN HYBRID SOLUTIONS THAT ALIGN WITH RECYCLING SYSTEMS AND LEGISLATION
Hybrid solutions Figures provided by Statista show that more than 73% of paper and cardboard packaging was recycled in 2023 in the UK, compared to around 53% for plastic-based packaging. These figures put up a good argument
for the use of hybrid packaging materials in confectionery applications. According to Paul Wormald, Regional Sales Director for Functional Paper and Films at Mondi, hybrid packaging materials can offer a practical and forward-looking solution that aligns with market, regulatory, and operational requirements. “Hybrid packaging can also enhance
systems and legislation,” argues Melinda. “This means that confectionery producers do not have to choose between performance and environmental responsibility – it is possible to have both.” Melinda highlighted that the move to hybrid
packaging will often demand considerable technical expertise pointing out that Coveris has supported many confectionery manufacturers in making this switch smoothly and efficiently. “By taking an individual approach to each product and application, we are able to recommend the most suitable alternatives that enhance recyclability and environmental performance,” she says.
brand positioning by offering a more natural, premium look and feel, that appeals to consumers, especially in the organic and premium confectionery segments,” says Paul. He pointed out that hybrid packaging, which combines paper with a small amount of plastic or barrier, also works well on most existing packing machines, so it doesn’t usually require big changes to production equipment, while helping brands prepare to meet new regulations. “Overall, hybrid packaging can provide a practical, good- looking, and future-proofed option for confectionery brands,” argues Paul. Mondi advises that the main priority when looking for more sustainable confectionery packaging should be making sure that the packaging protects the product properly. Different products will need different levels of barrier protection. Mondi offers a full
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