Ethan Clarke
Chocolate packaging serves the important purpose of preserving the product's features, including its taste, texture, and aroma, throughout its shelf life. The choice of packaging material depends on the product type, shelf life, transportation, and storage requirements. Plastic is a popular material for chocolate containers as it is lightweight, durable, and transparent, allowing consumers to view the chocolate easily. However, plastic is not readily biodegradable, contributing to environmental issues. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, the demand for biodegradable and sustainable packaging options, such as paper-based packaging, compostables, and biodegradable plastics made from renewable resources, is increasing in the chocolate industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic type | Polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Plastic film packaging | Transparent plastic films allow consumers to view the chocolate bars easily |
| Plastic packaging | About 70% of chocolate packaging is made from plastic |
| Plastic recycling rate | Only 9% of plastic packaging is recycled globally |
| Biodegradable packaging | Biodegradable plastics made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane |
| Paper packaging | Paper-based packaging lined with a thin layer of plastic to provide a moisture and oxygen barrier |
| Metal packaging | Metal containers offer the best level of protection but are the heaviest and most expensive option |
| Aluminium foil packaging | Provides strong barrier properties, protecting chocolate from oxygen, moisture, light, and foreign odours |
| Tin foil packaging | Provides good barrier and ductility, preserving freshness, preventing moisture, and providing a barrier against light and air |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic film packaging
Chocolate is a delicate product that requires protection from external factors, such as moisture and temperature. Packaging is essential to preserving a product's features, including taste, texture, and aroma, throughout its shelf life. It is also a tool for chocolate brands to make a lasting impact on consumers.
- Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): This type of plastic film packaging is known for its high transparency, strength, and durability.
- Polyethylene (PE): Polyethylene is a simple and inexpensive option with good sealing properties and easy processability.
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is a versatile and durable option for plastic film packaging.
Composite materials, which consist of multiple layers of different materials, are also used in chocolate packaging. For example, aluminium foil, plastic, and paper, or OPP, PET, and PE can be combined to create a packaging material with excellent moisture resistance, oxidation prevention, breathability, preservation qualities, and sealing properties. PET aluminised packaging, which involves coating a PET film with a thin layer of aluminium, is a popular choice for chocolate packaging due to its durability, barrier properties, and cost-effectiveness.
The choice of packaging material depends on various factors, including the product type, shelf life, transportation, and storage requirements. While plastic film packaging offers good protection and durability, it is not readily biodegradable, contributing to environmental concerns. As a result, the chocolate industry is increasingly embracing eco-friendly packaging practices, such as biodegradable plastics made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, and paper-based packaging lined with a thin layer of plastic to provide moisture and oxygen barrier protection.
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Biodegradable plastics
Chocolate containers are often made of plastic, and with the rise of environmental concerns, companies are increasingly keen to be seen as having "green" credentials. Biodegradable plastics are an ideal solution for food packaging and could replace many applications for conventional plastics.
There are two classes of biodegradable plastics: bioplastics, whose components are derived from renewable raw materials, and plastics made from petrochemicals with biodegradable additives that enhance biodegradation. Bioplastics are not always biodegradable, and some biodegradable plastics are fully petroleum-based.
However, the use of biodegradable plastics is not without its challenges. Many biodegradable plastics are designed to degrade in industrial composting systems, which requires a well-managed waste system. If these plastics end up in landfills or the natural environment, they may not break down properly and can contaminate other recyclable plastics.
Recent innovations, such as the process developed by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have sought to address these issues by creating biodegradable plastics that break down more easily with just heat and water, eliminating the issue of microplastics and offering a promising alternative to non-degradable plastics.
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Aluminium foil
Chocolate containers are often made of aluminium foil, which is used for its ability to preserve the quality and original flavour of the chocolate. Aluminium foil provides a total barrier against light, moisture, and any penetration of aroma and flavour. It can also be folded tightly around the surface of the chocolate, ensuring that the chocolate is protected from bacterial spread and making it safer for consumption. The tightness of the wrapper, known as the "deadfold" characteristic, also allows for resealing, preserving the chocolate for later consumption.
The lightweight and bright colour of aluminium foil are additional advantages. The foil's glittering metallic surface brings colour and impact, enhancing the consumer's pleasure and adding to the fun and enjoyment of the product. The bright colour of the wrapper also gives consumers the feeling that the chocolate is clean and well-preserved.
Furthermore, the thinness and foldability of aluminium foil make it easy to cover any shape of chocolate perfectly. This is especially important for chocolate manufacturers who produce chocolate in various shapes, such as Santa Claus, Easter eggs, rabbits, chicks, Halloween-themed items, and more.
The affordability of aluminium foil is another reason for its widespread use in the chocolate industry. As profit is a primary goal, chocolate companies often opt for cheap materials that can effectively preserve their products. Aluminium foil's combination of protective qualities, aesthetic appeal, and low cost makes it a popular choice for chocolate containers.
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Polyethylene and polypropylene
Chocolate is often packaged in plastic, and polyethylene (PET) and polypropylene (PP) are the most popular plastic films used for this purpose. These plastics are favoured for their transparency, allowing consumers to easily view the chocolate bars. They also provide protection from environmental factors such as moisture, heat, and light, maintaining the safety and freshness of the chocolate.
Polypropylene is commonly used in In-Mould Labelling (IML), a technique that involves placing a pre-printed polypropylene label inside a mould before injecting the plastic. This creates a decorative finish that is integral to the chocolate container. Polypropylene containers are often designed with handles and lids for easy handling and storage.
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is another commonly used plastic for chocolate containers. It is strong and durable, making it ideal for packaging and transporting chocolate products. PET containers can be customized in various shapes, sizes, and colours to meet specific requirements and branding needs.
Polyethylene containers are also available in different capacities, ranging from small bottles for liquid chocolate products like flavours or coulis to larger containers for chocolate chips and granules. These containers often feature screw caps or lids for precise application and easy use.
Both polyethylene and polypropylene offer flexibility in terms of design and customization, making them popular choices for chocolate manufacturers aiming to create unique and attractive packaging while ensuring the protection and freshness of their chocolate products.
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Resealable plastic bags
Walmart offers a range of resealable bags, including large cellophane bags that are self-sealing and suitable for gifts, clothing, and jewellery packaging. These bags are available in packs of 100 and measure 9 x 12 inches. Walmart also offers smaller resealable bags with zip-top locks, measuring 3 x 5 inches, and jewellery and craft storage bags, which measure 3 x 4 inches.
Store Supply Warehouse provides resealable plastic bags with zipper closures specifically designed for jewellery storage. These bags are 2 mil thick and come in sizes ranging from 2" x 3" to 12" x 15", ensuring that both small and large jewellery items can be securely stored. The bags are available in clear plastic or with a white block for easy labelling.
Resealable bags are also available from other brands, such as Ziploc, which offers slider quart storage bags with Power Shield Technology, and Mstar, which provides holographic resealable Mylar bags for party favours.
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Frequently asked questions
Polyethylene and polypropylene are the most popular plastic films used to package chocolate bars. Chocolate containers can also be made of PET aluminized plastic, which is a popular choice for chocolate packaging.
Plastic is lightweight and durable, and transparent plastic films allow consumers to easily view the chocolate bars. Plastic is also good for protecting chocolate from moisture.
Yes, chocolate containers can also be made of aluminum foil, paper, cardboard, glass, and metal. Biodegradable materials such as cornstarch or sugarcane are also being used more commonly as sustainable packaging for chocolate.
Chocolate is a delicate product that requires protection from external factors such as moisture, temperature, light, and odours. Packaging should also be designed to maintain the integrity of the product during transportation and storage.
