UK – Cox & Co, a single origin chocolate brand, has developed the world’s first paper flow wrap chocolate packaging, eliminating the need for plastics and providing consumers with curbside recyclable wrapping.
Over the course of 18 months, Cox & Co diligently worked towards replacing its compostable plastic packaging with a paper-based flow wrap solution.
Collaborating closely with a paper manufacturer in Sweden, they identified the right material and reconfigured their flow wrap machine to accommodate it.
This week marked a significant milestone as the first 100% paper flow wrapped chocolate bar rolled off their production line.
Offering a minimum shelf life of 12 months, Cox & Co’s innovative paper flow wrap solution represents a major step towards reducing the substantial amount of chocolate packaging waste that currently ends up in landfills.
Gavin Cox, the founder of Cox & Co, highlighted the importance of sustainability in consumer choices, stating, “Consumers are now actively seeking brands that take sustainability seriously and products that are easy to recycle.
“Chocolate is a popular household purchase, yet much of its packaging cannot be easily recycled at curbside. We aim to change that with our revolutionary new packaging, which offers a neat and tidy solution without the use of plastic.”
As a smaller brand, Cox & Co has demonstrated agility by pivoting its production to explore paper-based packaging solutions.
Gavin emphasized the satisfaction of achieving this milestone after months of trials, stating, “It’s taken many months of trial to get to this point, but it’s been worth the effort. Seeing that first bar roll off the production line was incredibly satisfying.”
Moreover, amidst rising cocoa costs due to poor harvests, the new packaging allows Cox & Co to reduce packaging costs by a significant 35%, helping offset price increases and enabling them to maintain competitive pricing.
The brand, part of a larger confectionery group, plans to implement the new packaging across its entire product range.
Gavin explained, “This will make a significant difference to our overall costs. We can effectively keep prices competitive while reducing our environmental impact; it’s a win-win.”
From its inception, Cox & Co has been committed to producing chocolate that blends ethical considerations with indulgence.
The new paper packaging will be used across their range of flavors: Mint Crunch, Miso Caramel, and Bee Pollen & Honey.
In similar sustainable packaging news, Marks & Spencer (M&S) recently announced the introduction of 100% recyclable paper packaging for its early-season Jersey Royal potatoes.
This initiative is expected to eliminate an estimated one million pieces of plastic from the product line within the first year.
The paper-packaged potatoes are now available in 75 M&S Foodhalls across the United Kingdom, showcasing a broader industry shift towards eco-friendly packaging solutions.
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