March 2025
Published: 10 Mar 2025
Author: Precedence Research
UPM Specialty Papers partnered with Orkla Suomi in launching a sustainable packaging solution for Panda Milk Chocolate: Paper, covering and replacing 6-month-old traditional polypropylene plastic wrappers with innovative paper-based material. This is also part of Orkla Suomi's family pledge for sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil-based raw materials. Since spring 2025, consumers have been wrapping their Panda Milk Chocolate bars in the new paper-based packaging developed in collaboration with UPM and Walki Westpak. According to Orkla Suomi, everyday life should benefit from the convenience afforded by local brands that advocate for sustainable choices and blend tradition, innovation, and sustainability. The pilot demonstrates how Orkla Suomi is committed to providing an ongoing replacement of fossil-based materials with renewable alternatives.
Panda Milk Chocolate is now being packaged in UPM Asendo™ Pro, a specialized material for chocolate goods. This makes the packaging friendly to the environment and able to safeguard the product. The cold-seal lacquer for a paper-based package seals the Orkla Suomi's existing flow-pack machines; this way, no new machinery is required. UPM Asendo Pro has been certified food-safe by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They expect to increase the use of renewable materials in the packaging portfolio while ensuring recyclability. The recyclability of this packaging is also validated according to the PTS method RH 021/97, Category II, which verifies that it can be efficiently recycled with existing fiber recycling streams. The environmental benefits from this transition to a paper-based package are expected to be tremendously favorable.
Plenty of grease makes it difficult to switch the chocolate packaging from plastic to paper. The traditional solutions are plastic and paper-plastic laminates that ensure the shelf life of the food. Senior Manager Product Portfolio Management, UPM Specialty Papers, Kirsi Lahtela, emphasized that with a solid product portfolio, extensive experience, and a broad partner network, UPM can support the transition to recyclable paper-based packaging and help converters and brands like Orkla Suomi meet sustainability goals in the new packaging acceleration program.
Orkla Suomi presents a newly packaged initiative directed toward minimizing plastic waste and enhancing environmental sustainability. The packaging made from recyclable paper has an 83% recycling rate within Europe and thus contributes to the global sustainability goals. The packaging can be closed on existing machines, meaning no new investments are required. UPM Asendo Pro is compliant with international food safety standards to deliver fresh and safe chocolate products. Sustainable packaging will excite the environmentally conscious consumer, increasing brand loyalty while promoting responsible purchasing behavior.
UPM has taken a significant step with its partner Orkla Suomi toward a more sustainable future of confectionery packaging with their pilot project. If successful, it will probably lead to a more extensive introduction of the material in product lines across the Orkla Suomi portfolio and other parts of the food industry. The project showcases the potential for partnership in innovative sustainable packaging. As more consumers demand greener products, greater strides will be taken by other firms to replace plastics with renewable or recyclable materials. The introduction of paper-based material into Panda Milk Chocolate is a very important landmark in the path toward sustainability in the world of food. The pilot provides many significant learnings that can be further leveraged in paper-based solutions toward a greener future.
March 2025
March 2025
March 2025
March 2025