Confectionary packaging is one of the most challenging packaging areas to improve environmental sustainability. The industry, which often consists of single-use plastics, faces increasing challenges in sourcing recyclable and recyclable materials to package chocolate and confectionery.
Looks at how key industry players are addressing this issue amid tightening legislative boundaries, and how NGOs and charities are focusing on new ways to improve the flow of recycled content and reduce associated carbon emissions.
Sam Murphy, Marketing Manager at British confectionery packer Foxpak Flexibles, explained: "Like many food products, the main challenge in creating [environmentally] sustainable packaging is finding an eco-friendly alternative to protecting and preserving the product, such as traditional mixed plastics. "
"In the case of confectionery, shelf life and barrier properties are important factors in making the right packaging choice. As a manufacturer, we are challenged to produce high-performance packaging solutions made from more environmentally friendly, sustainable materials.”
Murphy said Foxpak has tried to develop an environmentally sustainable alternative to its commonly used laminates. The company also creates compostable packaging made from bio-based and synthetic polymers.
“For example, we have transitioned from a foil-based laminate to a single polymer polyethylene structure with an EVOH (ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer) barrier layer. This structure is believed to be widely recyclable in our key markets, in some It can be recycled in the country if necessary.”
With the introduction of the EU Single-Use Packaging Directive (SUPD) and other legal breakthroughs, such as the upcoming UK plastic packaging tax, which will impose fines on packers who fail to use a certain level of recycled plastic in each product, Murphy asserts that confectionery packaging Design had to make a fundamental shift in a relatively short period of time.
"This UK plastic packaging tax has persuaded some confectionary brands to switch from plastic laminates to paper laminates. However, it is not always feasible to remove all plastic from confectionery packaging," she explained.
However, the company's Generation Green candy packaging line offers a range of paper options for drying food, seeds, grains, coffee, tea, pet treats and other items.
The paper is a "sustainable" fluorocarbon-free white paper that is resistant to water, water vapor and grease. "It is recyclable, repulpable and degradable in digital, flexo and offset or unprinted bag, sachet and pouch formats," the company said.
