Fibre-based wrapping for a beloved chocolate bar

Together with UPM Specialty Papers and Orkla Suomi, Walki Westpak has developed a fibre-based paper wrapping with a cold seal lacquer. The novel solution is now undergoing a six-month trial period.

Chocolate is one of the most beloved indulgences but behind this delicacy lies a complex packaging challenge. The culprit is found in the very ingredient that makes the chocolate, that is the cocoa butter. It is sensitive to temperature changes which might lead to melting and fat bloom. The fat might also seep into the packaging which is why you need grease-resistant barriers.

Despite these challenges, Orkla Suomi, belonging to the Norwegian conglomerate Orkla, set out to explore whether a fibre-based solution could be an option for replacing the PP plastics wrappers for its beloved Panda Milk chocolate. A sustainable fibre-based packaging solution is in line with the food company’s mission of making everyday life better with local brands that bring joy and make sustainable choices easier.

The choice of paper fell on UPM Specialty Paper’s Asendo™ Pro barrier paper. Walki Westpak did the printing of the wrapper and also coated the cold seal frame lacquer to allow the paper-based package to be sealed on Orkla Suomi’s existing flowpack packaging machines. Normally, they are used to pack products in plastics.

“This is the first time that we develop cold seal lacquer on paper. Usually, we deal with heat sealable solutions, but it does not work with chocolate as it could melt”, explains Arto Musakka, Sales Manager at Walki Westpak.

The Panda milk chocolate bars are now available in stores across Finland for a six-month pilot period during which Orkla Suomi will gather insights and experiences.

“Finding a fibre-based packaging solution for chocolate is quite challenging due to the grease. This recyclable with cold seal lacquer is a viable option”, says Musakka.