Amcor, a global frontrunner in responsible food and drink packaging solutions, proudly announces its collaboration with Riverside Natural Foods, a prominent certified organic snack producer. Together, they are launching MadeGood Trail Mix bars in innovative AmFiber™ paper-based packaging. This exclusive initiative, timed perfectly for Earth Month, represents a groundbreaking solution in the category, offering curbside recyclability in the paper stream while maintaining exceptional package performance.
The new recyclable wrapper features Amcor’s AmFiber™, a paper-based laminate sourced from FSC®-certified (C206475) fiber. In comparison to conventional bar wrapping, this packaging reduces the reliance on virgin plastic by an impressive 77%. Furthermore, it has received certification from Western Michigan University, confirming that it meets the repulpability standards crucial for effective recycling processes.
Amcor’s research and development experts collaborated closely with Riverside Natural Foods to design a packaging solution that satisfies the requirements of both the brand and consumers. This partnership achieved a packaging solution that does not compromise run speeds or graphic quality, ensuring a strong market presence.
To further align the packaging with consumer expectations, Riverside Natural Foods and Amcor conducted an independent home usage study. This study allowed consumers to use the product in their standard routines throughout the week and evaluate the package’s performance. The results revealed that 79% of participants believed the paper wrapper was ‘somewhat better’ or ‘much better’ than typical granola bar packaging. Additionally, 79% expressed a preference for this product over other brands lacking recyclable packaging.
“The partnership of Amcor and Riverside Natural Foods pairs two industry leaders in sustainability to deliver an innovative package that is How2Recycle® certified and easy for consumers to recycle anywhere,” says Desmond VanHouten, director of marketing at Amcor Flexibles North America.
“At Riverside Natural Foods, we are continuously letting our curiosity guide us and ask ourselves – how can we take the next best step forward toward a more sustainable future? For us, this was innovating a category-first paper package for our consumers to enjoy while minimizing the impact on the planet. We are so proud to achieve this with our partners at Amcor,” says Salma Fotovat, co-founder and sourcing, procurement, and impact director at Riverside Natural Foods.
