UPM and Orkla Suomi introduce paper packaging for Panda Milk chocolate

HELSINKI, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UPM Specialty Papers and Orkla Suomi are piloting a new paper wrapper for Panda Milk chocolate. During a six-month pilot period, the new wrappers replace traditionally used PP-plastic wrappers. Milk chocolate bars in new packages are now available in stores across Finland.

"At Orkla Suomi, we want to make everyday life better with local brands that bring joy and make sustainable choices easier. Our products are a combination of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. A great example of our ongoing efforts to replace fossil-based materials with renewable alternatives is the new paper-based chocolate tablet packaging, developed in collaboration with UPM and printing house Walki Westpak. We will pilot this paper-based packaging with Panda Milk Chocolate in spring 2025 to gather insights and experiences from the new solution," says Arja Laitinen, Packaging Developer at Orkla Snacks.

The new type of wrapper for Panda Milk Chocolate is based on UPM Asendo^™ Pro 75 g/m² barrier paper, which has suitable grease barrier properties for Panda milk chocolate. A cold seal lacquer, which has been applied to sealing areas, allows the paper-based package to be sealed on Orkla Suomi's existing flowpack packaging machines, which are normally used to pack products in plastic. UPM Asendo Pro is certified for food safety (BfR, FDA), and the new packaging solution has undergone extensive testing, including shelf-life tests.

Orkla Suomi wanted to find a paper-based packaging solution to support its goal of increasing the share of renewable packaging materials without compromising recyclability. UPM only sources fibres from sustainably managed forests, where forest regeneration is ensured. UPM Asendo Pro has been validated as recyclable (PTS method RH 021/97, cat II) in existing fibre recycling streams, which are widely available to consumers in Finland and in Europe. 83% of paper and cardboard packaging is recycled in Europe (Eurostat, 2021).

"Chocolate can be a challenging product to package in paper, due to its relatively high grease level. However, UPM has a solid product portfolio, extensive experience and the broad partner network needed to support the transition to recyclable paper-based packaging. Therefore, we are able to help converters and brands like Orkla Suomi with their packaging sustainability ambitions and to speed up the time to market of new packaging solutions," explains Kirsi Lahtela, Senior Manager, Product Portfolio Management, UPM Specialty Papers.

Traditionally, plastic or a paper-plastic laminate has been used in packaging to guarantee shelf-life, ensure food protection and to keep grease from penetrating the package material. Thanks to the in-built barrier protection provided by UPM Asendo Pro packaging paper, no additional plastic layer is required.

Link to images: https://materialhub.upm.com/l/NXJVFsBqPrw 

For further information please contact:
Maarit Relander, UPM Specialty Papers, Senior Manager, Marketing, maarit.relander@upm.com, tel. +358 204150223
Lotta Roitto, Orkla Suomi, Communications Manager, lotta.roitto@orkla.fi, tel. +358 40 747 0871

UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9:00-16:00 EET
Tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com

UPM Specialty Papers

UPM Specialty Papers answers the world's need for high-performance, transformative papers for packaging and labelling, and office and graphic papers in APAC. Our approximately 2,000 dedicated experts help customers co-create solutions to their business challenges. UPM Specialty Papers' global team and mills in China, Finland and Germany serve customers consistently and reliably around the world. Learn about our products at upmspecialtypapers.com

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UPM

UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with its extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our sustainability performance has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,800 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately EUR 10.3 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM – we renew the everyday www.upm.com

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Orkla Suomi

Orkla Suomi brings high-quality and delicious food, snacks, and confectionery products to Finnish homes for both everyday and festive occasions. Our portfolio includes over 20 brands, such as Taffel, Panda, Felix, Grandiosa, Oolannin, and Kantolan. We produce chocolate and licorice products in Vaajakoski and potato products in Haraldsby, Åland. In 2023, Orkla Suomi employed approximately 440 people and had a turnover of 270 million euros. Orkla Suomi Finland Oy Ab is part of the Orkla Group, which is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange.

www.orkla.fi 

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