Introducing a major breakthrough in sustainable fortune cookie packaging, delfort, a specialist in specialty paper, has partnered with Sweet & Lucky, Europe’s largest producer of fortune cookies, and CLARUS, a leading European packaging solutions partner. By leveraging delfort’s thinbarrier® 301 barrier paper, Sweet & Lucky’s fortune cookies now convey a powerful message: “Sustainable packaging is the future”.
In a collaborative effort, delfort and CLARUS have developed an alternative packaging solution for Sweet & Lucky, aligning with their sustainability goals. Norman Thom, CEO of CLARUS, explains, “As sustainable packaging advocates, CLARUS has been dedicated to promoting eco-friendly solutions for years. Our partnership with delfort fills the need for barrier papers by offering an excellent water vapor barrier with their thinbarrier® 301. By using delfort’s paper, Sweet & Lucky’s fortune cookies take a significant step towards establishing sustainable paper packaging in the food industry.”
Piloted in early 2023, trials with delfort’s lightweight barrier paper focused on meeting three critical requirements of the fortune cookie manufacturer: a superior water vapor barrier, extended shelf life, and seamless integration with existing packaging machines.
Extended shelf life exceeding three months
Ensuring freshness, crunchiness, and unaltered taste are essential for fortune cookies. delfort, in collaboration with research partner delsci, has meticulously developed thinbarrier® 301 to precisely meet these requirements. The result is a paper with a specialized barrier coating from delsci and an optimally matched base paper in terms of recipe and surface structure. Complemented, they offer an ideal water vapor barrier, extending the shelf life of the fortune cookies to at least three months, satisfying the fortune cookie supply chain’s demands. Additionally, thinbarrier® 301 is recyclable in the paper stream.
Seamless performance on existing packaging lines
The transition from film to paper packaging necessitates seamless operation on existing packaging machines. delfort’s paper runs flawlessly on Sweet & Lucky’s high-performance packaging machines without any technical modifications.
If additional adjustments are required, such as processing speed, they can easily be implemented. Norman Thom asserts, “CLARUS not only specializes in consulting and selling packaging machines but also in modifying existing machines. A straightforward exchange of the forming shoulder might be needed when transitioning to flexible papers, a process in which we are delighted to provide assistance.”
A resounding commitment to sustainability
The uniqueness of thinbarrier® 301 lies in its naturalness and unwavering commitment to sustainability. This new paper packaging sets Sweet & Lucky’s fortune cookies apart in the market, strongly supporting the company’s sustainability objectives. Sweet & Lucky proudly leads the way as a pioneer in its industry.
Collaboration is the key to progress
Martin Zahlbruckner, CEO of delfort, emphasizes, “The success of this project was built on the genuine dedication of all stakeholders involved, a comprehensive understanding of barrier requirements and packaging line performance. Equally impactful was our collective willingness to embrace more sustainable solutions and create recyclable product packaging for consumers.”
delfort continues to drive innovation, with ongoing development projects focusing on barrier papers for various applications, ranging from food and clothing to household items and toys.
