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Innovia Films’ renewable and compostable packaging film, NatureFlex has been chosen by Nestlé UK to wrap one of its signature confectionery brands, Quality Street.

Having supplied Nestlé UK for many years with its coloured Cellophane products, Innovia Films was keen to meet customer demand when a move towards compostable packaging was sought for Quality Street.

Nestlé UK approached Innovia Films to develop a range of certified compostable films to match, as closely as possible, the existing range of coloured Cellophane films.

The move is part of Nestlé’s overall strategy to reduce packaging and develop more sustainable packaging materials, making it easier for consumers to reduce waste.

“Reduced or more sustainable packaging is a key priority for Nestlé, and we're delighted that the NatureFlex colour film range will help Quality Street customers and consumers reduce waste and at the same time ensure consumers are still able to recognise this well-loved brand,” said David Rennie, Marketing Director, Nestlé Confectionery UK.

The development of coloured NatureFlex is the direct result of work carried out at Innovia Films’ own Research and Development facility. It follows 18 months of development and testing prior to the relaunch of the Quality Street packaging, which took place recently in time for the pre-Christmas sales window.

NatureFlex films are cellulose-based, derived from renewable wood-pulp and are certified to meet the European EN13432 and American ASTM D6400 standards for compostable packaging.

The wood-pulp is sourced from managed plantations from referenced suppliers operating Good Forestry principals (FSC or equivalent). NatureFlex films typically have a renewable bio-based content of some 95% by weight of material.

“Developing a range of coloured films that closely match the requirements of such a recognised brand, and that meet the strict requirements of the composting legislation, was a real challenge, which we're delighted to have been able to deliver,” said Andy Sweetman, Innovia Films’ Global Marketing Manager, Sustainable Technologies.