Amcor supplies French snack producer with recyclable paper packs for chocolate
Key takeaways
- Amcor and Alter Eco have launched recyclable, paper-based packaging for chocolate, cutting weight by 61%.
- The new packaging offers high-barrier protection and maintains a premium appearance.
- The solution uses FSC-certified fiber and is said to meet sustainability standards.
Amcor has partnered with French organic snack producer Alter Eco to introduce a recyclable, paper-based, and reduced-weight packaging solution for its 200 gr chocolate range available in France.
The redesigned packaging using Amcor’s AmFiber Performance Paper achieves up to 61% weight reduction compared with the previous solution and can be recycled in the paper stream in France.
Janice Narainsamy, senior product development engineer at Amcor, says: “Paper-based packaging combines strong shelf appeal with a well-established perception of sustainability.”
“With the right barrier performance, it can also deliver the protection needed for demanding applications like chocolate. Alter Eco’s transition to AmFiber Performance Paper demonstrates this in a real market context, delivering a significant reduction in packaging weight.”
Anne Descarsin, R&D pack manager for Alter Eco, adds: “This project illustrates our commitment to innovation, combining reduced environmental impact with uncompromising quality. Designing a thinner packaging that still protects the chocolate and preserves its organoleptic qualities is a true technical challenge and a major step forward for Alter Eco.”
High-barrier performance
Alter Eco wanted to reduce its packaging weight by replacing the existing cardboard sleeve and inner aluminium foil wrap, while preserving a premium look and feel.
The new design combines a natural kraft look with a matte finish, which is said to reinforce the product’s authentic shelf presence. One SKU containing almonds reportedly added complexity, as the new packaging needed to maintain a smooth, high-quality appearance despite the product’s textured surface, which was achieved with AmFiber Performance Paper.
The chocolate packaging now delivers high-barrier performance, providing effective protection against water vapour and grease.
The fiber used is FSC-certified, ensuring it is sourced from responsibly managed forests, and the packaging aligns with CEPI and 4evergreen guidelines.
Amcor has worked together with Alter Eco and Halba, a Swiss-based manufacturer of chocolate, snacks, and baking ingredients, in the collaboration.
Alter Eco produces chocolate from organic cacao, which it says is sourced through fair and transparent supply chains.
Packaging Insights recently explored the latest innovations in sustainable paper-based packaging, including high-barrier, leak-resistant materials, with Nils de Rybel, senior research engineer at Amcor.
