Orkla Suomi, in collaboration with UPM Specialty Papers, is piloting a novel paper wrapper for Panda Milk Chocolate Bars. This innovative packaging replaces conventional PP plastic wrappers during a six-month test program, and the newly wrapped chocolate bars are now available in stores across Finland.
“At Orkla Finland, our goal is to make life better with local brands that bring joy and represent responsible choices. Our products combine tradition, innovation, and responsibility in the best possible way. A good example of our ongoing efforts to replace fossil materials with renewable alternatives is the new paper-based chocolate bar packaging, which has been developed in collaboration with UPM and printing house Walki Westpak. In spring 2025, we will pilot paper-based packaging in Panda Milk Chocolate to gather experience with the new solution,” says Arja Laitinen, packaging developer at Orkla Snacks.
The new wrapper employs UPM Asendo TM Pro 75 g/m2 barrier paper, designed with grease resistance to suit Panda Milk Chocolate’s needs. A cold seal varnish applied to the sealing areas allows this innovative paper packaging to be sealed using Orkla Finland’s existing flowpack machines, typically used for plastic packaging. Importantly, UPM Asendo Pro is certified for food safety (BfR, FDA) and has undergone rigorous testing, including shelf-life evaluations.
Orkla Finland aimed to discover a paper-based packaging solution that aligns with its strategy to enhance the use of renewable materials without sacrificing recyclability. UPM sources fibers exclusively from sustainably managed forests, ensuring that forest regeneration is a priority. All UPM packaging papers, including UPM Asendo Pro, are recyclable and validated for recycling (PTS method RH 021/97, category II). Notably, 83% of paper and board packaging in Europe is recycled, according to Eurostat (2021).
“Chocolate can be a challenging product to package in paper due to its relatively high fat content. However, UPM has the robust product portfolio, extensive experience, and partner network needed to transition to paper-based, recyclable packaging. This is why we are able to help processors and brand owners, such as Orkla Suomi, with their sustainability goals in packaging and accelerate the introduction of new packaging solutions to the market,” states Kirsi Lahtela, senior manager, product portfolio management at UPM Specialty Papers.
Traditionally, packaging solutions for food and beverages have relied on plastic or paper-plastic laminates to ensure shelf life, safeguard food, and enhance grease resistance. Fortunately, the barrier layer of UPM Asendo Pro packaging paper eliminates the need for an additional plastic layer.
