Paper takes centre stage in confectionery

Coveris has unveiled MonoFlexFibre Pure Twist, a lightweight paper innovation designed to replace traditional plastic formats used for twist‑wrapped confectionery such as lollipops, hard candies, chocolate pralines and heat‑seal flow‑wrapped bars. The launch is a step forward for confectionery brands navigating the dual pressures of sustainability regulation and high‑speed production demands.

Developed to meet the industry’s 95/5 paper recyclability guidelines, the new material contains no more than 5% non‑paper components — a threshold required for compatibility with standard paper‑recycling streams under tightening EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) rules. For confectionery makers facing rising EPR costs and stricter recyclability targets, the shift to paper‑based primary packaging offers a practical route to reducing plastic content while maintaining performance.

MonoFlexFibre Pure Twist is engineered from a single layer of lightweight functional paper, delivering the barrier and twistability required for single or double‑twist wraps. Crucially, Coveris states that the material maintains reliable sealing and product protection — a non‑negotiable for confectionery, where freshness, hygiene and shelf stability are essential. The paper also supports excellent printability across rotogravure, flexo and digital processes, enabling brands to retain strong visual appeal even as they transition to more sustainable substrates.

One of the most compelling advantages for manufacturers is operational: the new paper structure can run on existing high‑speed and standard FFS lines without major machinery changes. This ensures that brands can adopt recyclable paper packaging without costly equipment upgrades or production slowdowns — a key barrier historically associated with switching away from plastics.

Coveris positions the innovation as a direct response to the regulatory and commercial pressures shaping confectionery packaging in 2026. With PPWR introducing performance‑based recyclability thresholds and extending producer responsibility to the post‑consumer stage, brands are increasingly seeking materials that align with both sustainability goals and operational realities. As Melinda Bonamour, business development manager for Paper Consumer & Healthcare at Coveris, explains, MonoFlexFibre Pure Twist helps brands “reduce plastic use without compromising product protection and packaging efficiency,” enabling them to balance regulation, cost and performance.

For confectionery makers, the launch places paper‑based primary packaging as a credible, scalable alternative for high‑volume sweets and chocolate lines.