Amcor and Alter Eco unveil recyclable, paper‑based and reduced‑weight packaging
Amcor has partnered with French organic snack producer Alter Eco to launch a new recyclable, paper‑based and significantly lighter packaging solution* for the brand’s 200‑gram chocolate bars – marking a major step forward in sustainable premium confectionery packaging.
Alter Eco, known for its ethically sourced organic cacao and transparent supply chains, identified packaging as a key area for improvement within its broader sustainability strategy. The company set out to redesign the packaging for its three 200‑gram chocolate variants sold in France, aiming to reduce material use while maintaining the premium aesthetic consumers expect.
Working in close collaboration with Alter Eco and Swiss chocolate specialist Halba, Amcor supported the transition to AmFiber Performance Paper, a high‑barrier, paper‑based packaging solution that can be recycled in the French paper stream.
The new design replaces the previous cardboard sleeve and aluminium foil inner wrap, achieving a dramatic reduction in packaging weight – up to 61% depending on the SKU. The kraft‑look paper with a matte finish reinforces Alter Eco’s natural, authentic brand identity while delivering the barrier protection required for chocolate, including resistance to water vapour and grease.
One of the chocolate bars, which contains whole almonds, posed an additional challenge: ensuring the packaging remained smooth and visually premium despite the textured product surface. AmFiber Performance Paper delivered the necessary strength and appearance, enabling a consistent, high‑quality finish across the range.
The fibre used in the new packaging is FSC‑certified, ensuring it comes from responsibly managed forests. The solution also aligns with CEPI and 4evergreen guidelines, supporting the industry’s transition toward circular, fibre‑based packaging systems.
Anne Descarsin, R&D pack manager at Alter Eco, said the redesign represents a major milestone for the brand: “This project illustrates our commitment to innovation, combining reduced environmental impact with uncompromising quality. Designing a thinner packaging that still protects the chocolate and preserves its organoleptic qualities is a true technical challenge and a major step forward for Alter Eco.”
Janice Narainsamy, senior product development engineer at Amcor, highlighted the broader significance for the category: “Paper‑based packaging combines strong shelf appeal with a well‑established perception of sustainability. With the right barrier performance, it can also deliver the protection needed for demanding applications like chocolate. Alter Eco’s transition to AmFiber Performance Paper demonstrates this in a real market context, delivering a significant reduction in packaging weight.”
The collaboration showcases how brands can reduce environmental impact without sacrificing product protection or consumer experience. With recyclability*, reduced material use and a premium look and feel, the new Alter Eco packaging provides a model for confectionery brands seeking to meet tightening sustainability expectations.
