Schur Flexibles enhances confectionery recyclability with wax-free candy paper wrapper
10 Nov 2021 --- Schur Flexibles has created a new candy paper called The PaperTwister(re) made completely without wax. Waxed paper is a long-established packaging material in the confectionery industry. However, in some countries it is not considered recyclable.
The PaperTwister(re)’s inside is coated with a release lacquer, preventing candies from sticking to the paper, but without negatively affecting the paper recycling process. From the outside, a special impregnation increases the paper’s stability and flexibility.
Currently, the wrappers’ recyclability is being tested by an external institute, says the company. Internal pulping tests have already been completed with “very positive results.”
Schur Flexibles also touts The PaperTwister(re)’s “excellent machinability,” with a packaging speed of up to 1,800 pieces per minute.
Paper versus plastic wrappers
Some notable examples of paper-based innovation in the sweet sector include solutions from Nestlé’s Smarties, Mars Wrigley’s Balisto and Ritter Sport.
According to Innova Market Insights, 46% of global survey respondents perceive plastic’s recyclability as either “good” or “excellent.” However, this figure jumps to 71% for paper.
Regardless, paper confectionery wrapping is currently still far outranked by plastic. According to Innova Market Insights, nearly two-thirds of confectionery launches are packed in plastic.
Paper made up just 9% of global confectionery launches in 2020, compared to plastic at 66%.Paper made up just 9% of global confectionery launches in 2020, compared to plastic at 66%.
Moreover, the market researcher highlights most (52%) product launches were held in packets. Confectionery NPD hitting market shelves in wrappers dipped slightly from 37.4% in 2019 to 33.6% in 2020.
Reasons for choosing plastic
With legislative pressure and consumer demands for more circular confectionery packaging intensifying, packaging innovators are also responding with recyclable plastic solutions.
In September, Mondelēz International’s Cadbury brand revealed plans to incorporate 30% recycled plastic in its Dairy Milk chocolate bar wrappers from 2022. The company opted for recycled plastic instead of paper due to plastic’s “end-to-end total impact.”
Ferrero will also begin thinning its Kinder Bueno’s plastic films by approximately 20% compared with standard films starting from 2022.
PackagingInsights discussed trends in confectionery packaging with Innovia Films, Futamura, Huhtamaki, Schubert and others in a previous Special Report.
Schur Flexibles’ business moves
In May, Lindsay Goldberg, a private investment firm focusing on partnering with families, founders and management teams, agreed to sell 80% of Schur Flexibles Group to B&C Group. The company value, including the financing taken over, was estimated at €900 million (US$1.04 billion).
Schur Flexibles recently acquired Termoplast and Sidac, both located in Italy. Termoplast‘s recyclable MDO-PE film offers enhanced processing qualities for all printing technologies and special applications for industrial companies and food, medical and pharma sectors. Termoplast also operates its own recycling company, processing post-industrial waste.
Meanwhile, the Sidac acquisition added a center of excellence for customized and high-quality packaging solutions. The product portfolio primarily encompasses complex laminates supplied on reels and is used in the ready-to-eat convenience food and pet food segment for stand-up pouches.
By Anni Schleicher
