In a category first, Quality Street moved twist-wrapped sweets to paper packaging. Additionally, KitKat is launching wrappers made from 80% recycled plastic that can be recycled in stores across the UK and in household recycling in Ireland. The rollout will begin this month on the brand’s flagship two-finger products, before being extended across the entire range by 2024.
By replacing the double layer of foil and cellulose with a paper wrap, Quality Street will remove more than two billion pieces of packaging material from the brand’s supply chain. One innovation is the development of a special vegetable-based coating for the paper, which does not hinder the recycling process. The transition to paper, which is now underway, will take several months to complete.
As for KitKat, the brand will use the highest proportion of recycled food-grade plastic of any major UK and Ireland confectionery brand. The launch is part of Nestlé’s ongoing commitment towards reducing its environmental impact and supporting a circular economy.
“We welcome these new initiatives from Nestlé, founding members of The UK Plastics Pact, to improve the recyclability of Quality Street and using advanced recycling technology to include recycled plastic into its KitKat packaging – something we need to significantly ramp up in the UK, and across the world. We look forward to further roll out.” said Helen Bird, Head of Business Collaboration at WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme).
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