UPM and Orkla Suomi Launch Eco-Friendly Paper Packaging for Chocolate Bars

Sustainable Packaging Initiative for Chocolate

In a significant step towards sustainability, UPM Specialty Papers and Orkla Suomi have unveiled a new pilot project that introduces eco-friendly paper wrappers for Panda Milk Chocolate. This innovative move is aimed at reducing the use of plastic in packaging, a pressing concern for both manufacturers and consumers alike in the quest for a greener planet.

The pilot program began in March 2025 and will last for six months. During this period, the traditional polypropylene (PP) plastic wrappers that have long been used to package milk chocolate bars will be replaced with paper-based alternatives. This transition marks a remarkable shift in the packaging landscape of the confectionery industry, particularly in Finland where these new wrappers will first be available in retail stores.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Arja Laitinen, a Packaging Developer at Orkla Suomi, expressed the company’s dedication to enhancing everyday life through local brands while making sustainable choices more accessible to consumers. She stated, “Our products reflect a blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability.” The partnership with UPM Specialty Papers and printing house Walki Westpak exemplifies these efforts, focusing on the replacement of fossil fuel-based materials with renewable alternatives.

The new packaging for Panda Milk Chocolate uses UPM's Asendo™ Pro barrier paper, specially designed to provide the necessary grease barrier suitable for chocolate. By incorporating a cold seal lacquer, which allows the packaging to be applied using Orkla's existing flowpack machinery, this initiative maintains efficiency while championing sustainability.

UPM Asendo Pro is not only recognized for its food safety credentials but has also undergone extensive testing to ensure its longevity on store shelves. The paper is certified by BfR and FDA, providing confidence to both retailers and consumers regarding product safety.

Increasing Recyclability

One of the primary goals of Orkla Suomi is to increase the proportion of renewable packaging materials without compromising recyclability. UPM ensures that its fibers come from sustainably managed forests, guaranteeing terrene regeneration is a priority. The Asendo Pro paper has also been validated as recyclable under existing fiber recycling systems, confirming that it can seamlessly integrate into municipal recycling workflows—key for consumers in Finland and across Europe, where approximately 83% of paper and cardboard packaging is recycled.

As Kirsi Lahtela, Senior Manager of Product Portfolio Management at UPM Specialty Papers, articulated, “Chocolate presents a unique packaging challenge due to its propensity to breach barriers with grease. UPM's solid product portfolio and extensive expertise enable us to support brands like Orkla Suomi in achieving their sustainability objectives.”

The Future of Chocolate Packaging

Historically, packaging solutions for chocolate have relied heavily on either plastic or a paper-plastic laminate to ensure product integrity and shelf-life. However, with the advanced barrier properties of UPM Asendo Pro, the need for additional plastic layers has been completely eliminated. This pivot towards sustainable materials in the food packaging sector not only contributes to environmental conservation but also aligns with rising consumer preferences for eco-conscious products.

The pilot project for Panda Milk Chocolate is a testament to the strides being made in the packaging industry—a striking example of how traditional confectionery can be reimagined for a sustainable future. As Finns indulge in their beloved treats, they can rest easy knowing that they are making a more environmentally responsible choice.

With the pilot phase set to yield critical insights, UPM and Orkla Suomi are poised to lead the charge in sustainable packaging. This initiative could serve as a model for other brands looking to reduce their ecological footprint while maintaining product quality and consumer satisfaction.