Nestle Introduces Paper Wrapping for Confectionary Bar to Cut Plastic Waste

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Swiss food company Nestle SA has set new industry standard by introducing paper wrapping for confectionary bar, in replacement of plastic. The company will start selling Yes fruit and nut bars for Europe in paper wrapping. This comes amidst criticism that the food industry consumes too much of plastic for packaging. Incidentally, Greenpeace had called for reduced production and consumption of plastic by food and beverage companies worldwide.

Nestle uses paper that comes from sustainable sources and are certified by non-profit organizations Forest Stewardship Council and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification for wrapping. A water-based coating is added to the paper to seal it. This ensures freshness and increased shelf life of products. The company has already partnered with a supplier for the paper-packaging technology. The equipment at Nestle’s production unit has been adapted to wrap between 300 and 500 bars per minute.

Jas Scott de Martinville, head of Nestle’s product technology center for confectionery stated that the transition from plastic to paper is not that easy. It will take some time for the company to wrap its range of products in paper. The company also looks to promote reuse of plastics, he added. Martinville urged other companies in the confectionary industry to take up the plastic challenge.