Walkers Chocolates introduces recyclable paper wrapper

UPM Specialty Papers has partnered with EvoPak to support Walkers Chocolates’ transition from a plastic wrapper to recyclable paper-based packaging.

The collaboration combines UPM SolideTM Lucent 45 g/m² barrier base paper with EvoPak’s RCM coating, creating a fibre-based barrier solution suitable for chocolate.

The paper-based packaging has oxygen and grease barriers, which fulfils the chocolate company’s standards for product quality.

UPM Solide Lucent is a strong and versatile barrier base paper with a smooth surface. Its high density provides suitable properties for further converting and printing.

“The printability of UPM Solide Lucent is really impressive and EvoPak’s RCM coating is a revolutionary solution for our industry,” said Tom Murtagh, Commercial Director, Walkers Chocolates. “We’ve achieved the same packaging line efficiency, maintaining the same speed as our previous plastic packaging materials with only minor adjustments.”

The performance of UPM Solide Lucent combined with the RCM coating, a water soluble polymer, has enabled EvoPak to create a solution that maintains the functional benefits of traditional plastic packaging.

“We’re extremely happy with how the paper extrudes and the print quality in flexo is exceptional,” said Tom Lock, CEO, EvoPak. “We are 100% happy in UPM Solide Lucent as the grade of choice for our future sustainable packaging development.”

The co-created solution has achieved CEPI/4EG Technical Recyclability Score (v. 2.0 Jan 2025).

Image caption: Walkers Chocolates’ new recyclable paper-based packaging. Image: Supplied.