SWITZERLAND - Nestlé is continuing its efforts to shift from plastic to paper by introducing a paper-based tub for its well-loved Quality Street chocolates and toffees ahead of the festive season. 

This move follows the company's 2020 launch of the first fully paper-based packaging for its Smarties chocolate, and the 2022 transition to paper twist wraps for Quality Street sweets. These initiatives have collectively diverted billions of plastic wrappers from landfills.

The latest innovation involves a collaboration with packaging giant Smurfit Westrock to create the new Quality Street carton, further reducing the need for virgin plastic. 

The paper-based carton, maintaining the signature hexagonal shape and iconic purple color, is now available alongside its plastic counterpart at selected Tesco stores. 

Both versions contain the same amount of chocolates, but the paper tub offers a more sustainable solution and fits more efficiently onto pallets, potentially reducing carbon emissions.

Smurfit Westrock CEO Saverio Mayer praised the collaboration, noting that the new packaging offers numerous benefits in terms of design, functionality, and sustainability. Nestlé hopes this innovation will appeal to eco-conscious consumers, particularly during the holiday season.

Jemma Handley, Senior Brand Manager for Quality Street, emphasized the hard work behind the project and the excitement of being the first major brand to trial a paper tub for the Christmas market. 

She noted that the redesigned tub has been specifically tailored for a paper-based product, ensuring that both the packaging and wrappers can be recycled through household recycling programs.