In what it says is an industry first, single origin chocolate brand Cox & Co has created the first paper flow wrap chocolate packaging, enabling it to phase out the use of plastics and provide consumers with curbside recyclable wrapping.
For 18 months, the company has been working towards creating a paper flow wrap to replace its compostable plastic packaging. It worked closely with a paper manufacturer in Sweden to identify the right type of material and reconfigure its flow wrap machine to accept it. This week, the 100% paper flow wrapped chocolate bar was seen as it rolled off the production line.
Offering a 12-month minimum shelf life, Cox & Co’s new paper flow wrap solution is a huge step in the right direction to reducing the huge amount of chocolate packaging waste that currently ends up in landfill.
“Consumers are now actively seeking brands that take sustainability seriously and products that are easy to recycle,” explained Gavin Cox, Founder of Cox & Co. “Chocolate is a popular household purchase and yet so little of the packaging can be easily recycled at curbside. We are set to change all that with our revolutionary new packaging, which offers a neat and tidy result without the use of plastic.”
As a smaller brand, Cox & Co has been able to pivot its production to test out new paper-based packaging solutions. “It’s taken many months of trial to get to this point, but it’s been worth the effort. Seeing that first bar roll off the production line was incredibly satisfying,” added Gavin.
At a time where the cost of cocoa has risen significantly due to poor harvests, this new packaging also allows the brand to reduce its packaging costs by a huge 35%, offsetting price rises and enabling it to continue to offer its bars at a competitive price. The brand, which belongs to a larger confectionery group, aims to roll the new packaging out across the board.
“This will make a significant difference to our costs overall,” said Gavin. “We can effectively keep prices competitive whilst doing our bit to reduce our environmental impact; it’s a win win.”
The new flow wrap packaging will be used across its three flavours; Mint Crunch, Miso Caramel and Bee Pollen & Honey.
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Caitlin Gittins
Editor, International Confectionery
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