Mondelēz International is changing the packaging for more than 115 biscuit products in Europe. PET trays are being replaced by FSC-certified paper trays. According to the company, this is expected to save around 2,200 tonnes of virgin plastic annually.
The transition affects eight brands in more than 25 European markets, including Germany, France, Spain, Poland, Great Britain and the Nordic countries. The brands include LU, Milka, Granola, Cadbury, Marabou, Chips Ahoy!, Lacta and Freia. According to Mondelēz, a total of around 28,000 tonnes of biscuits are offered in the affected packaging each year.
Around 80 percent less plastic
According to Mondelēz, the switch from rigid PET trays to paper reduces the use of virgin plastic by around 2,200 tonnes per year. Based on the previous packaging consisting of outer film and a PET tray, this corresponds to a reduction in the plastic content of approximately 80 per cent. The calculation is based on the production volumes forecast for 2026.
According to the company, the new trays are made entirely of FSC-certified paper. The packaging is to feature a notice highlighting the reduction in plastic.
Transition for more than 115 products
„This is a transformation that we are proud to have developed from scratch. Replacing rigid plastic with paper across 115 products, eight brands and in 25 European markets within just a few months required a rethink of all levels of our packaging – from the tray design to logistics,“ says Olivier Kintzig, Biscuits Packaging Director Europe at Mondelēz International.
The transition is part of the group's packaging strategy. According to its own statements, Mondelēz uses trays containing around 80 percent recycled PET for other products, among other measures. By 2030, the company aims to reduce its global use of virgin rigid plastic by 25 percent compared to 2020.
Source: Mondelēz
