Protective packaging

As we draw closer to ProSweets, discussions around sustainable packaging and manufacturing methods heighten.

Confectioners often use excessive amounts of packaging in an attempt to create a heavier product with a luxurious feel. This packaging is more often than not superfluous and does not impact shelf life or help protect the product. Removing excess packaging is likely to go down well with consumers who dislike anything seen as ‘too much’ packaging.

It seems even more important to use recyclable packaging when you are marketing a product highlighting the use of sustainable ingredients or production methods. Otherwise the two elements simply contradict each other.

Recently, an Italian consortium, of organic producers and farmers, has chosen compostable NatureFlex from Innovia Films to wrap its range of fairtrade chocolate. “We decided to move from standard plastic to a biodegradable and compostable alternative to wrap our chocolate bars.  Metallised NatureFlex from Innovia Films was a perfect fit for us due not only to its environmental attributes but also its excellent barrier properties to keep our organic Fair Trade chocolate in premium condition,” explains Nicoletta Maffini, marketing manager of Alce Nero.

Enstrom Candies has also made an effort to make its packaging more environmentally friendly, by using Marden Edwards BX100FF film and printed paper overwrapping machine. Critically, the technology has enabled the company to move from perceived lower quality shrink wrapping to higher quality – and bio-degradable – film and printed paper overwrapping. In addition, the B100FF delivers a 50% saving on film costs and a 90% reduction in energy usage over shrink wrap technology.

It is good to see such companies are becoming more green. However, it is important to remember that no matter what environmental brownie points a piece of packaging possesses it still needs to stand out on the super market shelf otherwise it will simply be overlooked by consumers.