Dotlock technology makes it possible to join several layers of cardboard packaging without the need for glue.


prompted us to minimise the use of fossil- based virgin plastic.”


The whole operation Offering advice for confectionery producers looking to make their packaging operations more sustainable, Glyn Johnson, MD at Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS), highlighted the importance of looking at the whole operation, rather than focussing on just one element, as this will enable gains to be made in all sorts of ways. “Often, people focus mostly on the packaging materials that they use, which is certainly valuable, but this is only one part of the picture,” he says. YPS conducts sustainable site surveys to help manufacturers achieve an optimum pairing of machine and materials to improve the environmental impact of their packaging operation. This survey includes a review of how the machine is operating, to ensure yield from the packaging materials is maximised. Recommendations could include simple maintenance for optimum performance or reduced waste, a change of setting to improve yield, for example by reducing gapping, or an alternative material choice. “Ensuring that all waste is collected and recycled properly is another way for confectionery manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact. “A waste baling machine can assist in gathering material together. Sourcing a suitable recycling outlet then ensures that it is returned via an appropriate route for certainty that it will re-enter the cycle for optimum re-use,” says Glyn.


KennedysConfection.com


Fair trade, organic, or vegan alone


is not enough to ensure your business is truly sustainable. You need the full package!”


The full package The choice and availability of sustainable materials has increased hugely in recent years and more and more confectionery producers are adopting new, more sustainable packaging solutions. Nucao, a German startup manufacturer of organic, vegan, and fair-trade chocolate, is now also able to boast 100% paper packaging for its fruit and nut chocolate products. It worked with Koehler Paper to find the right flexible packaging paper solution that would also be able to offer protection for the chocolate. Mathias Tholey, Co-Founder of nucao,


says: “Many chocolate manufacturers focus on one green attribute, but fair trade, organic, or vegan alone is not enough to ensure your business is truly sustainable. You need the full package!” The Koehler NexPlus Advanced


Flexible Packaging Paper was considered


to be the best solution for nucao, offering the necessary oxygen, mineral oil, and grease barrier properties. The paper can be recycled as part of a standard paper recycling process and can often be reused. It is certified by the Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS, Paper Technology Foundation) and environmental service provider, Interseroh. “The paper fibres can be reused up to 13 times. Working with nucao, a pioneer in the chocolate segment, we wanted to show that we are capable of putting the circular economy into practice and making sensible and sustainable use of the raw materials available to us,” says Christoph Wachter, Director of the Flexible Packaging Paper division at Koehler Paper. “Compared to conventional plastic packaging, flexible paper packaging also significantly reduces carbon footprints.”


Conclusion


As Mathias from nucao says, “today you need the full package” to convince consumers to buy your products. For confectionery manufacturers, this needs to relate to the packaging operation as well as the choice of packaging materials. Reducing waste on the packaging line and minimising and simplifying your packaging design can also affect the bottom line in a positive way. Remember that consumers are also willing to pay more and are more likely to purchase products that have good environmental credentials.


Kennedy’s Confection June 2024 37


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