CHOCOLATE PACKAGING
material providers. Parkside, for example, has invested heavily in sourcing and developing new barrier coatings that improve the functional qualities of paper packaging without affecting its recyclability.
It put its paperisation knowledge into practice when working on a recyclable paper-based flow wrap solution for ethical chocolate brand, Cox & Co. The company wanted to switch away from its previous compostable bioplastic solution and into a recyclable paper-based option, without compromising on the heat seal performance, moisture, and aroma barrier properties of the packaging. Parkside developed a solution that used thin layers of water-based coatings to create a flexible paper laminate that was tested and approved by the paper recyclability testing regime of the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI).
Paperisation of chocolate packaging does not have to mean downgrading the look of packaging. Advanced techniques like using vapour deposition of aluminium or metallic pigments in ink to create recyclable metallic effects are becoming increasingly common, while new water-based varnishes that add interesting finishes and tactile effects to labels and packaging continue to emerge.
machines. This is able to process barrier papers from a variety of material providers without causing wrinkles, tears or cracks, thus helping ensure high-quality packaging without having to sacrifice speed and efficiency when switching from plastic to paper.” Although the advantages of paper packaging for chocolate are obvious, the switch from plastic to sustainable alternatives can be easier said than done. Many products will require adaptations in packaging material, formats, and production processes – a transition that requires time and adjustments along the way.
Paperisation of chocolate packaging does not have to mean downgrading the look of packaging”
Big brands like Mars Wrigley and Mondelez have led the way in showing that paper-based packaging can deliver on the protection required by delicate chocolate bars. A very thin barrier layer is able to withstand grease stains as well as moisture penetration and ensures adequate shelf life for chocolate.
Equipment issues?
“Using new packaging materials on existing packaging equipment need not be problematic either as packaging equipment providers are working hard to find solutions,” says Torsten Sauer, Director of Sustainability at Syntegon. “Syntegon, for example, now offers the paper-ON-form retrofit kit – a paper flow-wrap forming shoulder – for its new and existing horizontal flow wrapping
32 Kennedy’s Confection October 2024
The expertise of packaging and process equipment manufacturers can offer tangible advantages here. They combine industry knowledge with technological know-how and can help ensure that the transition to more eco-friendly packaging is as seamless and efficient as possible. “To this end, Syntegon has put a focus on efficient material testing to help determine the optimal design for each product. Our sustainability experts perform comprehensive analyses and material tests to define the optimal packaging material and sealing parameters before production starts. Once production is up and running, our monitoring solution, Synexio supports chocolate manufacturers to keep their processes as sustainable as possible. The Uptime and Empower packages of the
digital solution come with a sustainability monitoring feature that provides data on energy consumption and waste production, supporting customers to reduce their carbon footprint – with the goal to futureproof the whole packaging process,” concludes Torsten.
Supporting change
With the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPRW) legislation requiring all packaging in the European market to be reusable or recyclable by 2030, chocolate manufactures are having to rapidly switch to either recyclable plastic or paper packaging solutions. Packaging providers are supporting this transition with innovative materials. Coveris, for example, can offer the MonoFlex Fibre paper-based range recyclability within existing paper streams. “As part of the Coveris No Waste strategy, our focus is on selecting the most eco-efficient and high-performing packaging for each product, rather than simply deciding between paper or plastic. By expanding our portfolio to include paper-based options and reducing plastic usage in packaging for items needing external protection, we aim to offer customers the best solution aligned with their brand vision and product requirements,” says Melinda Bonamour, Market Development Director Paper Flexibles at Coveris.
The new packaging range is divided into two categories, a single layer of functional paper, and a multilayer structure with maximised paper share. There are also several subcategories within each, both for primary and secondary packaging, all said to offer good sealing and barrier properties.
KennedysConfection.com
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