Confectionery Giants Use NatureFlex Biodegradable Wraps

Convex Plastics, June 28th, 2010

Two major confectionery manufacturers have chosen to wrap their chocolate products in biodegradable NatureFlex film.

Cadbury is using metallised NatureFlex NM film to wrap Cadbury Flakes in Australasia and UK-based Thorntons has selected the same film to wrap its newly launched Melts range of pralines.

The environmental benefits and high functionality of the NatureFlex NM film were key factors in both company’s decisions to use this type of packaging.

Thorntons’ Packaging Development Manager, Mark Aitchison, said his company was attracted to the tight twist-wrap the film provides, the attractive metallic finish, the protection it provides for the flavour and texture of the chocolates, plus the fact it is made from sustainable materials.

Cadbury chose the packaging for similar reasons. Cadbury Australia packaging technical specialist, Keith Chessell said, “We chose metallised NatureFlex NM to wrap the Cadbury Flake as it offers both technical and environmental benefits for us and fits in perfectly with our ‘Purple Goes Green’ program to extend the use of biodegradable packaging.”

Marketed in New Zealand by Convex Plastics - NatureFlex films offer several advantages for packing and converting such as inherent deadfold and anti-static properties, high gloss and shine, resistance to grease and oil, good barrier to gases and aromas, receptive to cold seal adhesive and excellent twist properties. Coatings on the NatureFlex NM film also ensure a high moisture barrier, which keeps the chocolate products in premium condition.

NatureFlex films are manufactured by UK-Based Innovia Films. Their UK sales manager Paul McKeown said, "NatureFlex NM gives not only superior technical performance but also has on-shelf appeal to consumers and offers environmental benefits such as compostability."

NatureFlex NM is a cellulose-based, biodegradable film manufactured from renewable wood pulp and metallised. The film is suitable for home composting because the level of metal is less than 0.02%, which only slows the film’s degradation by a matter of days without interfering with its biodegradability in any other way.