Amcor: Paper-Based Packaging Solutions for Organic Chocolate

Amcor, a global leader in packaging solutions, has partnered with food producer Alter Eco to develop a more sustainable packaging option for the company’s chocolate range.

It aims to introduce recyclable, paper-based packaging that reflects the sustainability of the organic chocolate within it.

This supports Alter Eco’s aim to reduce packaging weight while preserving the product’s premium look and feel.

Manufacturing recyclable packaging

As part of its wider targets, Alter Eco identified packaging as an area to be improved, aiming to replace the existing cardboard sleeve and inner aluminium foil wrap.

Amcor worked closely with Alter Eco and HALBA, a Swiss chocolate specialist and co-packer, to transition the packaging to AmFiber Performance Paper – Amcor’s paper-based recyclable packaging solution.

One of the bars posed a challenge with the redesigned packaging, as the almonds in the chocolate created a textured surface.

AlterEco wanted the new packaging to maintain a smooth appearance for its high-quality feel, which was achieved with AmFiber.

The new packaging is also effective at protecting the chocolate and external packaging against water vapour and grease.

Janice Narainsamy, Senior Product Development Engineer at Amcor, says: “Paper-based packaging combines strong shelf appeal with a well-established perception of sustainability.

“With the right barrier performance, it can also deliver the protection needed for demanding applications like chocolate.

“Alter Eco’s transition to AmFiber Performance Paper demonstrates this in a real market context, delivering a significant reduction in packaging weight.”

The redesigned packaging achieves up to a 61% reduction in weight compared to the previous pack design and can be recycled in France’s paper stream.

What are Amcor’s paper solutions?

Amcor’s range of AmFiber products, including its Performance Paper used for Alter Eco’s products, offer paper-based packaging across a variety of products.

Each of its solutions uses a range of technologies to provide the right barrier, shelf life and machine performance to meet each brand’s product requirements.

The AmFiber solutions are available for products including baked goods, dairy, meat, snacks, dry beverages and personal care products.

As well as supporting a company’s sustainability goals, the products bring benefits to the consumer, such as providing a more sustainable option that is easy to recycle, as well as having a more natural look and feel.

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Meeting Alter Eco’s sustainability standards

Alter Eco, which was founded in France in 1998, focuses on producing organic and fairtrade food through partnerships with small-scale producers.

The brand works alongside 22 cooperatives in 18 countries and offers nearly 80 organic and fairtrade products across France, including coffee, chocolate, tea, cereals and spreads.

The collaboration with Amcor supports Alter Eco’s wider sustainability goals, including its purpose of creating chocolate that grows in thriving ecosystems with compostable packaging.

In 2024, the company reduced its transportation emissions by more than 50%, due to strategic improvements in its upstream and downstream logistics.

It also aims to support a sustainable supply of high-quality cacao as well as the long-term health of farming communities.

Alter Eco had 75% of its cacao beans come from dynamic agroforestry in 2024, reflecting its commitment to a resilient and regenerative supply chain.

It has transitioned 573 farmers to regenerative agriculture practices, with a focus on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and boosting ecosystem resilience.

Anne Descarsin, R&D Pack Manager for Alter Eco, says: “This project illustrates our commitment to innovation, combining reduced environmental impact with uncompromising quality.

“Designing a thinner packaging that still protects the chocolate and preserves its organoleptic qualities is a true technical challenge and a major step forward for Alter Eco.”