Coveris is helping Pladis Global pack its confectionery in pre-made block bottom bags made from fully recyclable paper – replacing multi-material, hard-to-recycle alternatives without sacrificing their visual appeal.
Pladis’ existing block bottom bags are made from a combination of oriented polypropylene and paper, which complicates their recyclability.
Intended as secondary packaging for confectionery products, Coveris’ paper-based replacements were reportedly developed to align with CEFLEX’s circular design guidelines. This is set to ensure their recyclability in existing waste streams and align with EU requirements like the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
The bags are also designed to combine durability with visual appeal. Their high stiffness and dimensional stability are expected to bolster on-shelf presentation, and they aim to avoid cracking and fibre break in side gusset areas – protecting the quality of printed artwork through the transport and handling stages.
At the same time, heat-sealable top folds are expected to seal the pack securely and enable fast processing on Pladis’ existing packing lines.
The bags have undergone technical trials and process validation, and will now be introduced to the US market.
“We have been searching for a recyclable paper pre-made bag that meets our performance and quality expectations” said a spokesperson from Pladis North America. “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,” added Noah Hilt, global account manager, responsible for Pladis Group at Coveris. “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.
“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.”
Last year, Coveris added recyclable, mono-material paper to its pre-made block bottom bag range. Certified by the Interseroh+ Recycling Alliance and tested at the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging, the 100% paper packs aim to balance premium aesthetics with product protection.
Pladis also joined forces with DS Smith to remove 78% of plastic from its Jacob’s Cream Crackers box – a move said to avoid 373,248kg of CO2 while maintaining the pack’s tamperproof seal.
Since then, Jung has announced that it will utilize One.Five’s paper-based barrier material to package confectionery. This is expected to reduce emissions by 30% without compromising on filling performance.
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:
The ultimate guide to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in 2025
How are the top brands progressing on packaging sustainability?
Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation in 2025
The key to increasing the use of reusable packaging in supermarkets
No comments yet