Barrier paper packaging is replacing, on an experimental basis, the polypropylene film usually used for chocolate bars from the Panda brand, distributed in Finland. The trial, launched in spring 2025, is being run by the brand's Norwegian owner, Orkla, in partnership with papermaker UPM Specialty Papers and printer-converter Walki Westpak. The project concerns flowpack products packaged on existing lines, with no need to modify equipment.
This new packaging solution is based on 75 g/m² UPM Asendo Pro barrier paper 2 . This provides a sufficient barrier against fats to meet the requirements of milk chocolate. Thanks to the addition of a cold-sealing varnish, the paper packs can be sealed directly on the flowpack machines currently used by Orkla Suomi, without any major modifications.
A tested solution for preserving fatty products
"Chocolate is a difficult product to wrap in paper, not least because of its fat content", says Kirsi Lahtela, Product Portfolio Manager at UPM Specialty Papers. According to her, the Finnish manufacturer's expertise enables it to effectively support brands in their transition to recyclable packaging.
Traditionally, the industry has entrusted this type of product to plastic films or paper-plastic laminates. Here, Asendo Pro paper incorporates a functional barrier that makes any additional plastic layer superfluous.
Recyclability and origin of certified fibers
The paper is certified compliant with European (BfR) and American (FDA) food safety regulations. UPM stresses that the solution has undergone a series of tests, notably for shelf life.
What's more, the solution has been validated as recyclable according to the PTS RH 021/97 method (category II), compatible with the paper recycling channels available on a large scale, notably in Finland and Europe.
Feedback from this pilot phase will be analyzed in spring 2025. If the results are deemed satisfactory, Orkla Suomi may consider extending the use of paper to other references.
