Amcor: Delivering Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Amcor, a provider of global packaging solutions, has partnered with organic food producer Alter Eco to develop a sustainable packaging option for the company’s chocolate range.

The collaboration aims to introduce recyclable, paper-based packaging that aligns the exterior product presentation with the sustainable credentials of the organic chocolate inside.

This initiative supports Alter Eco’s strategic objective to reduce packaging weight while maintaining the premium aesthetic of the product branding.

As part of wider procurement and sustainability targets, Alter Eco identified packaging as a critical area for improvement.

The scope of the project aims to replace existing cardboard sleeves and inner aluminium foil wraps with a cohesive, paper-based solution.

Amcor worked closely with Alter Eco and HALBA, a Swiss chocolate specialist and co-packer, to transition the packaging format to AmFiber Performance Paper.

Developing recyclable packaging solutions

The transition to AmFiber, Amcor’s paper-based recyclable packaging solution, presented specific technical challenges during the development phase.

According to the company, one of the chocolate bars posed a difficulty regarding the redesigned packaging, as the inclusion of almonds in the chocolate created a textured surface.

Alter Eco required the new packaging to maintain a smooth appearance to ensure a high-quality feel for the consumer, a result that was achieved through the application of the AmFiber material.

The new packaging is reportedly effective at protecting the chocolate and external packaging against environmental factors such as water vapour and grease.

Janice Narainsamy, Senior Product Development Engineer at Amcor, says: “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.”

Reducing material transport weight

The redesigned packaging achieves up to a 61% reduction in weight compared to the previous pack design.

This reduction could have implications for downstream logistics and freight costs, while the material can be recycled within France’s paper stream.

Amcor’s range of AmFiber products, including the Performance Paper used for Alter Eco’s products, offers paper-based packaging options across a variety of sectors.

Each solution in the portfolio uses a range of technologies to provide the necessary barrier, shelf life and machine performance to meet specific brand product requirements.

The AmFiber solutions are available for product categories including baked goods, meat, dairy, snacks, dry beverages and personal care products.

Beyond supporting a company’s sustainability goals, the products could bring benefits to the consumer, such as providing a sustainable disposal option that is easy to recycle, as well as offering a natural aesthetic.

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Meeting supply chain standards

Alter Eco, which was founded in France in 1998, focuses on producing organic and fairtrade food through procurement partnerships with small-scale producers.

The brand works alongside 22 cooperatives in 18 countries and offers nearly 80 organic and fairtrade products across France, including coffee, chocolate, tea, cereals and spreads.

The collaboration with Amcor supports Alter Eco’s wider sustainability goals, including its purpose of creating chocolate that grows in thriving ecosystems combined with compostable or recyclable packaging.

In 2024, the company reduced its transportation emissions by more than 50% due to strategic improvements in its upstream and downstream logistics.

It also aims to support a sustainable supply of high-quality cacao as well as the long-term health of farming communities.

According to company data, Alter Eco had 75% of its cacao beans come from dynamic agroforestry in 2024, reflecting a commitment to a resilient and regenerative supply chain.

It has transitioned 573 farmers to regenerative agriculture practices, with a focus on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and boosting ecosystem resilience.

Anne Descarsin, R&D Pack Manager for Alter Eco, says: “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.”