Packing a paper punch: Mondelēz New Zealand trial tests Cadbury Energy bar in recyclable wrapper

02 Jan 2020 --- Mondelēz International has launched its Cadbury Energy bar in 100 percent recyclable and sustainably sourced paper packaging that was trialed and tested exclusively in New Zealand. The trial was designed to test the durability and effectiveness of the paper packaging in transport and gather feedback from consumers who received free samples at Westfield Newmarket, Auckland in December.

It is the first time the company has used a paper material that doesn’t include laminates, foils or plastics for fully-sealed flow-wrap packaging. Many existing paper-based food wraps have a thin plastic film to protect the product, however, the Cadbury Energy paper acts as the barrier to protect food and ensure freshness.

“Given this is a world-first for us and the material is at the leading edge of packaging innovation, we’re committed to finding innovative solutions to the sustainability challenges facing the planet and this trial is a great example of this,” comments Cara Liebrock, Managing Director for Mondelēz International New Zealand.

Mondelēz International is committed to making 100 percent of its packaging recyclable by 2025.

Alternative packaging materials are just one part of the solution. Mondelēz International says that it is working on a range of global and local sustainability initiatives designed to minimize human impact on the planet, including support for companies developing plastic recycling technology and reducing the amount of packaging used.

Last year, conservation charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) branded Mondelez International as the third-worst packaging polluter of UK beaches and rivers behind Coca-Cola and PepsiCo.

Mondelēz International’s launch of the Cadbury Energy bar in 100 percent recyclable paper packaging represents the growing plastic out, paper in trend. Last year, Nestlé YES! snack bars became “the first confectionary bar on the market” to be packaged in paper using a high-speed flow-wrap technology. YES! snack bars were previously packaged in flexible plastic wrappers.

A 2018 Sonoco global study highlighted that consumers are more likely to buy food and beverage products if the packaging is “natural-looking.” Paper packaging is strongly positioned in this regard, creating a look and feel which relates to trees and forests in the mind of the busy shopper.

By Joshua Poole