Mondelēz International has completed the replacement of rigid PET trays with FSC-certified paper trays across its flagship European cookie range, extending paper packaging across a large portion of its biscuit portfolio.
Explains Olivier Kintzig, biscuits packaging director, Europe, at Mondelēz International, “Replacing rigid plastic with paper across 115 products, 8 brands, and 25 European markets in a matter of months required rethinking every layer of our packaging, from tray design to logistics. The result speaks for itself: approximately 2,200 tons of virgin plastic per year, representing approximately 80% reduction. As packaging professionals, this is exactly the kind of bold, systemic change we exist to deliver.”
The conversion includes products sold under LU, Milka, Granola, Cadbury, Marabou, Chips Ahoy!, Lacta, and Freia. In the U.K., Cadbury Crunchy Melts, Cadbury Chocolate Chip Cookie, and LU Petit Cookie are among the products moving to the new trays. Mondelēz says the initiative covers approximately 28,000 tons of cookies produced annually and is the largest packaging sustainability project undertaken in its European bakery category.
The project follows several other efforts by Mondelēz to introduce paper-based packaging. In late 2024, the company began using recyclable paper for secondary packaging from Saica Group for selected LU biscuit lines produced in France. Mondelēz said the FSC-certified structure would eliminate 177 metric tons of virgin plastic annually across France, Belgium, and the U.K. and reduce plastic use by 63% for the affected lines.
The following year, in Australia, Mondelēz replaced the metal bottom on its Cadbury Drinking Chocolate composite can with a paper bottom. The Sonoco EnviroCan incorporates more than 60% recycled cardboard and is designed for recycling through Australian curbside systems.
In 2025, Mondelēz also tested paper packaging for Cadbury Heroes in the U.K., launching a 300,000-pack trial at Tesco stores. Developed with DS Smith, the paper tubs include a QR code inside the lid inviting consumers to provide feedback to help inform future packaging decisions.
The paper tray conversion is part of a broader Mondelēz program to evolve plastic trays across its bakery category. It also supports the company’s goal of reducing virgin rigid plastic globally by 25% by 2030 compared with a 2020 baseline. PW
