Smurfit Westrock has worked with Nestlé to launch a new paper-based tub for its Quality Street sweets this Christmas - the first of its kind to hit supermarket shelves.
The new tubs are currently only in selected Tesco stores across England and Wales so far.
Nestlé approached the paper and packaging company to create the trial pack as part of its ongoing initiative to reduce virgin plastic.
The redesign also enables more boxes to fit on a pallet and has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions.
The introduction of the paper tub follows on from Nestlé switching to paper wrappers for the Quality Street sweets in 2022, which diverted over two billion wrappers from landfill.
Both the box itself and the wrappers can now be put into household recycling at the end of use.
The tub has an integrated re-close feature, which allows it to be securely closed once opened and it has also been tested to ensure food quality and freshness while being transported and stored.
The new tub will be sold alongside the traditional plastic version in the selected Tesco stores from this week. Both products are the same size and contain the same weight of chocolates.
Saverio Mayer, CEO of Europe, MEA & APAC at Smurfit Westrock, said the innovative new tub the company created in collaboration with Nestlé is an excellent example of how a paper-based replacement can bring a host of benefits across design, functionality and of course sustainability.
"We knew that this iconic brand needed a stand-out solution that would look the part on shelf as well as seamlessly integrate into consumers' household recycling," he said.
Gemma Handley, Senior Brand Manager for Quality Street, said a lot of care and hard work has gone into the trial, adding that the company is proud to be the first major manufacturer to trial a paper tub at Christmas.
""It will hopefully appeal to the growing number of consumers who are seeking more sustainable packaging for their favourite products," he added.
Cheryl Allen, Head of Sustainability - Confectionery Europe at Nestlé, said the company is committed to making its packaging more sustainable, keeping in mind the changing needs of shoppers and advancements in technology.
"Of course, with all potential packaging changes, we want to get it right, so this trial will bring us valuable information to inform our next steps as we keep pushing to reduce our use of virgin plastic," she added.
