Nestlé introduced recyclable paper packaging as a pilot test for the KitKat brand as a limited trial in Australia. Nestlé will produce more than 250,000 KitKat bars wrapped in paper in an exclusive partnership with Coles, a local retailer. The pack has a QR code that can be scanned so consumers send feedback on the new paper packaging.
Packaging experts at Nestlé’s Confectionery Research and Development Center in York, UK adapted and tested the paper, which was then scaled up for use on modified high-speed flow wrapping equipment. The trial wrapper has a thin metal barrier film to keep the KitKat fresh and has a recyclable ARL.
Louise Barrett, Head of the Nestlé Confectionery Product Technology Centre in York, said: “We are exploring different types of alternative packaging solutions for our confectionary products. For KitKat, the challenge was to find the right paper packaging solution with a high level of barrier properties to adequately protect the chocolate. We had to maintain the perfect balance between the iconic crispy wafer and smooth chocolate that people know and love, whilst at the same time ensuring the packaging is recyclable in the paper stream.”
Nestlé set a goal to reduce the use of virgin plastics by a third by 2025, which includes using less plastic, recycled plastic, and alternatives to plastic packaging.
Nestlé Oceania General Manager of Confectionery and Snacks Chris O’Donnell said, “We’re proud to be the first country globally to trial KitKat in paper packaging, as an important step towards reducing our use of virgin plastic. With all packaging innovations, our priority is to ensure we deliver the same delicious KitKat with creamy chocolate and crisp wafer.”
“As part of Coles’ Together to Zero waste ambition, we are committed to reducing plastic packaging wherever possible in Coles supermarkets so we’re really proud to work with fantastic suppliers like Nestlé to trial a new packaging solution for one of Aussies’ favorite chocolate bar,” said Coles General Manager of Grocery, Leanne White.
Photo: Nestle
