pladis Global, one of the world’s fastest growing confectionery and chocolate manufacturers and home to iconic brands like GODIVA, McVitie’s, Flipz and Demet’s Turtles, has partnered with Coveris, a major European packaging producer and leader in sustainable paper and plastic solutions, to transition its U.S. confectionery packaging to a more sustainable alternative. The collaboration will replace existing OPP/paper non-recyclable pre-made block bottom bags with fully recyclable paper-based ones.

Innovative and recyclable packaging

The new pre-made Block Bottom Bags were developed in line with the CEFLEX circular design guidelines among others, which ensure that packaging is collected, sorted and recycled, helping to meet EU requirements such as PPWR and to prevent waste and pollution. They are recyclable within the respective recycling streams. Designed as secondary packaging for confectionery products, the bags achieve the best level of recyclability. Thanks to Coveris’ paper converting expertise, the bags deliver a combination of machine performance, material strength and print quality that meets the high production standards of pladis. The innovation solves long-standing challenges in paper packaging, such as cracking and fiber-break in side gusset areas, which often affect the appearance and consistency of similar products.

Collaborative development and technical validation

The introduction of the pre-made Block Bottom Bag for the US market at pladis followed joint technical trials and process validation. By significantly reducing the fiber-break, the new design ensures an attractive, premium shelf appearance and maintains the integrity of printed artwork, even after transport and handling. The high stiffness and dimensional stability of the paper structure support an upright presentation on shelf, while the heat-sealable top fold ensures secure sealing and fast processing on pladis’ existing packing lines.

“We have been searching for a recyclable paper pre-made bag that meets our performance and quality expectations” said a pladis North America spokesperson. “Coveris’ pre-made Block Bottom Bag impressed us with its combination of sustainability, visual appeal and technical reliability. It allowed us a seamless change process and provides the look and quality our brands require.”

“Coveris is known to be a frontrunner in terms of sustainability. With our No Waste vision avoiding waste in all its forms, we have a strong focus on the development of sustainable packaging alternatives. We continuously invest in production technologies and state of the art printing. Our collaboration with pladis is an excellent example of how sustainable packaging innovation can deliver measurable sustainability benefits,” said Noah Hilt, Global Account Manager, responsible for pladis Group at Coveris. “By combining our expertise in flexible paper technology, printing, and converting, we have created a packaging solution that meets the highest visual and functional standards while fully aligning with circular economy principles – with the next generation already on the horizon”.