Improved technology and growing consumer demand is helping the confectionery industry find its sustainable sweet spot in 2023.

Going green has posed a unique challenge to confectionery brands. For one, freshness and hygiene trump sustainability in the food industry’s hierarchy of packaging needs. Secondly, eco-friendly options have been by and large a mismatch for the unique consumer demands of this corner of the market.

We look at how past hurdles to green practices are being overcome with the help of technology and innovative design.

Fresh Packaging Puts On A Crisp New Look

Like all food items, this industry’s first priority in packaging is to keep products tightly sealed and fresh. But sweets must do this without appearing as if they’re trying—and need to look gorgeous while they’re at it to keep up with the latest confectionery packaging trends.

Sustainable barrier packaging

Why does that sound of crinkly foil wrapper being carefully unfolded (okay, ripped into) produce a Pavlovian response? Because it’s the last obstacle between us and indulgence. Unfortunately, it lives on long after we’ve discarded it, contaminating soil and water throughout its lifespan of around 400 years. Though it’s recyclable, aluminium is highly problematic due to:

People being unaware of its recyclability, thus high volumes end up in landfills.
The massive carbon footprint its production leaves.

Packaging producers are rethinking barrier packaging with paper wrapping. And before you mourn the loss of that eye-catching shine, check out the gorgeous foil-free designs from fairafric which prove that paper can look just as polished.

Plastic-free gift boxes

Though sales hit a small snag in recent years, confectionery gift boxes will remain a mainstay of seasonal gifting items for years to come. However, their multi-layer design and size have posed a unique challenge to brands. Despite these obstacles, some companies are finding eco-friendly alternatives which still preserve the sweet legacy of the chocolate box.

Exterior boxing (minus the plastic wrapping) made from recycled materials, sturdy paper dividers, and corrugated cardboard tray bottoms are all popular elements used by large and small producers alike. An added bonus: paper-based alternatives are typically lighter than traditional boxes, resulting in less shipping weight and costs. Lick The Spoon demonstrates that plastic-free gift boxes can give products a more sophisticated look.

Rich Design That Doesn’t Cost A Fortune–Or The Earth

Most businesses and consumers want to make eco-friendly products. But we won’t greenwash retail reality: companies need to sell products and consumers need to want to buy them.

And because the ultimate drivers of confectionery purchases are mood, price, and brand, sweet makers can be forgiven for prioritising shelf-appeal over sustainability in this highly competitive industry. What’s also true: consumers absolutely make purchasing decisions based on a product’s packaging alone. In fact, it’s the top indicator of sustainability among shoppers.

Thanks to recent advances in production materials and design, brands no longer need to choose between aesthetics and the environment. Harsh chemical dyes and excessive plastic wrapping are increasingly being phased-out by their greener replacements.

Plant-based dyes

Colouring techniques don’t top many lists of sustainable practices. Yet vegan ink is an invaluable solution to the significant, yet largely overlooked environmental harm caused by chemical dyes.

For example, most consumers are unaware that traditional dyes can be made with animals’ hooves, bones, and beetle shells. Their production is further problemsome due to the huge carbon footprint left by extracting the petroleum and minerals which make up their base. These types of inks also release much higher levels of dangerous volatile organic substances (VOCs).

Vegan inks, on the other hand, are not only produced with virtually no carbon footprint, they are also far more easily removed from recycled products than traditional colours.

And if you think veggies are only capable of producing faint hues, feast your eyes on these gorgeous examples from lovingearth to see how plant-based inks can attract both consumer eyes and values.

Paper sleeves

For years, the confectionery industry counted on plastic wrapping to enclose numerous types of products such as gift boxes and pastries. It made sense: anything with a lid needs some sort of sealing. Unfortunately, single-use plastic is also one of the biggest turn-offs for consumers.

But eventually, paper sleeves not only began to replace the plastic, it also doubled as a ‘canvas’ on which brands could deploy colourful branding elements and design.

As a result, not only can companies finally ditch the plastic, paper sleeves also lift the artistic burden off products’ main container. This allows brands like Holdsworth to opt for more basic, sustainable boxes held together by an ornate paper sleeve, leading to lower printing costs.

Convenience Goes Green & Gets Creative

Today, people are snacking more often and with higher standards than before. Functional packaging, which was previously a hallmark of lower quality labels, has now been embraced by premium products and made eco-friendly thanks to innovative packaging.

Stand-up envelopes

Resealable envelopes are nothing new to the confectionery industry. However, they not only feature in a wider variety of products, they’re also showcasing eco-friendly materials at a higher rate than ever before.

From supermarket shelves to specialty shops, sweets are ditching traditional plastic pouches for recyclable paper counterparts without sacrificing an iota of freshness or handy accessibility.

Snacking has never been as appealing to consumers and the earth with containers like these from Theo Chocolate.

Twist-off tubes

Its novel design and hard, protective exterior perfectly resonates with the revamped snacking experience customers are searching for today. These cylindrical tubes can consist entirely (or nearly entirely) of recycled and/or recyclable paper and are easily reusable.

They’re also the ideal container choice for bite-size chips and truffles, one of the fastest-growing confectionery product categories. Check out how these fudge containers from Hepburn & Co. perfectly embody style, convenience, and sustainability simultaneously.

Innovative Production Techniques, Same Classic Quality

Sustainability is more than looking good in the eyes of your customers. In fact, some of the most impactful and easy eco-friendly switches go largely unnoticed once products hit the market. The good news? Many of these simple, behind-the-scenes practices actually save brands money.

Digital printing

When businesses choose to cover printing needs digitally, they not only lessen their carbon footprint, they also make a host of flexible options available to their clients, such as small-run quantities and short turnaround times.

These are invaluable assets for confectionery brands in particular, which rely heavily on seasonal sales periods where a sudden shortage of supplies can wreak havoc on revenue.

However, the greatest advantage for any business opting for digital printing is its lower cost compared to traditional offset printing. Check out how Tony’s Chocolonely limited-edition chocolate bars utilised digital printing in one of its most successful marketing campaigns.

Packing alternatives

Today brands need to balance the boom in both e-commerce sales and eco-awareness when it comes to sustainable confectionery packaging. Aside from the additional bags, boxes, and containers shipping and transportation require, companies also need to find packing solutions.

Notoriously bad for the environment, traditional packing materials like styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap not only make a poor first impression on customers, they also come at a higher cost compared to more sustainable alternatives.

Businesses can save money and reduce surplus packaging waste by creating their own packing material. An industrial shredder and some cardboard, paper, or other eco-friendly materials is all that’s needed to ensure products arrive intact. Lovingearth impresses once again and gets into the Easter spirit with on-point seasonal packing of its Boobook Chocolate Eggs.

Advances In Sustainable Confectionery Packaging: Key Takeaways

As sustainable packaging becomes more accessible and attractive to a wider range of confectionery brands and products, businesses need to hone in on which eco-friendly alternatives will work for their label, their products, and their market. Here’s what to consider.

Opt for maximum impact

The industry is changing when it comes to sustainability. And yes, businesses need to keep up. But in a recovering economy and competitive market, the bottom line gets the final word. Prioritise small shifts that are highly visible and relevant to your consumer base, and/or cost-effective to your company before taking on bigger eco-friendly practices.

Be upfront about your environmental efforts

Sustainability may be a marketing buzzword, but ultimately people want transparency. No move towards greener practices is too small to mention. Being honest about where your company is eco-wise and what it’s aiming for fosters consumer trust.

Consult with experienced printing professionals

Whether it’s your current printing provider, a trusted referral, or an industry leader, avoid missteps that cost your business time and money by getting advice from people who are well-versed in the opportunities and pitfalls of sustainable packaging.

Sell More With A Sweet New Look For Spring

With Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Easter around the corner, the confectionery industry is gearing up for one of its most crucial sales periods of 2023.

CoLab wants your business to get noticed, sell more, and build a loyal customer base. And as sustainable packaging providers to dozens of labels, we know first-hand the key to doing it:

Stand out.

This spring, we’re giving Irish confectionery brands the opportunity to revamp their image for free. No cost. No commitment. No risk.

For a limited time, we’re providing sustainable sample boxes created specifically for your brand.

1 tray-style sweet box
1 Easter egg box
1 upright box

Ready to start getting noticed—for all the right reasons? See the impact gorgeous sustainable packaging can make as confectionery products take centre stage.

Sign up to receive your free, customised samples here.