Walkers Chocolates is replacing plastic packaging with a paper-based solution. This is made possible by a collaboration between UPM Speciality Papers and EvoPak. The aim is to reduce plastic consumption at the plant and achieve the British chocolate manufacturer's sustainability goals.
The new packaging combines UPM Solide Lucent barrier base paper with EvoPak's RCM coating. The result is a fibre-based barrier packaging, which offers both oxygen and fat barriers and thus fulfils the high quality requirements of Walkers Chocolates. The company has been supplying large retail chains and international customers with recyclable paper packaging since 2024. The company's own products are also already available in numerous UK and international markets.
UPM Solide Lucent is characterised by High strength, smooth surface and density out. This ensures good convertibility and print quality. „The printability is really impressive and the RCM coating is a revolutionary solution for our industry,“ says Tom Murtagh, Commercial Director at Walkers Chocolates. According to the company, the packaging lines run at the same speed as before with plastic, Only minor adjustments were necessary.
EvoPaks RCM coating is based on a water-soluble polymer and enables a combination of the functional advantages of conventional plastic packaging and the ecological benefits of paper. „We are very satisfied with the processing and the print quality in flexo printing,“ adds Tom Lock, CEO of EvoPak.
The packaging is Recyclable via existing waste paper cycles and contributes to the circular economy. It has also been assessed according to the CEPI/4EG Technical Recyclability Score.
Source: UPM
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