CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN PRODUCTION
ANY MOVE TOWARDS MORE CIRCULAR PACKAGING SOLUTIONS WILL NEED TO CONTINUE TO MEET
FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS WHILE ALSO ADDRESSING INCREASING REGULATORY AND CONSUMER DEMANDS FOR SUSTAINABILITY
recycle. To address this, it is important to evaluate recyclable monomaterial plastics or fibre-based solutions with functional barrier coatings that have been designed and tested for compatibility with existing recycling streams. Melinda highlighted that the use of
design packaging for recyclability, incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials wherever feasible, and ensure that every material choice continues to safeguard product quality, shelf life and food safety,” continued Melinda. “At the same time, confectionery manufacturers need to prepare for evolving legislation – including the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).” Whilst the United Kingdom is developing
its own regulatory framework, many UK packaging manufacturers are aligning with EU PPWR and food-contact requirements to maintain access to European markets. One of the main challenges when it
comes to confectionery packaging is that the high barrier performance required for product protection has traditionally been achieved through the use of laminates, metallised films, and mixed-material structures, which are often difficult to
post-consumer recycled content presents another challenge for food-contact applications. “Mechanically recycled polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are still difficult to use safely in direct food-contact packaging. A practical approach is therefore to introduce recycled content first in applications where it is more readily achievable – such as secondary packaging, cartons, trays, display units and transport films, while continuing to work with suppliers and technology partners on compliant food- contact recycled materials for primary packaging.” Coveris, together with its partner
Nextek, recently launched the ReCover trial plant, with the aim of developing high-quality recycled material with the potential to meet the stringent requirements for food-grade packaging applications. Fibre-based packaging also needs to
be assessed carefully. “A pack should not be assumed to be circular simply because it contains a high percentage of paper,”
JUNE 2026 • KENNEDY’S CONFECTION • 27
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