Ahead of next month's Specialty Papers Europe event, we spoke to Kiril Dimitrov, Packaging Expert at Nestlé...

You're going to be presenting about “Paper packaging innovations for Quality Street and KitKat”. What are some of the key take-aways? 

Nestlé has been leading the innovation in recyclable paper packaging in the confectionery category in the past 3-4 years, since the global launch of Smarties. We have now delivered R&D solutions for all types of flexible applications – flow wrap, bags and pouches, as well as twist wrap. 

How is Nestlé going to achieve its sustainability goals to reduce the use of virgin plastics by a third by 2025?

Nestlé has 5 pillars driving towards better future for packaging, but when it comes to achieving our commitment on virgin plastics reduction in our packaging, we are focused on:

• Using less plastic through pack optimisation and reduction
• Use of recycled plastic material where legislation permits and food safety compliance is achieved
• Reuse and refill models
• Redesign our packaging by exploring alternative to plastic materials, such as paper

What are some of the most interesting and/or innovative solutions that are currently influencing the specialty papers industry?

• High barrier paper based materials are now becoming a reality and materials are showing good and resilient performance for many applications
• Packing lines are being redesigned and retrofitted to handle paper materials at comparable speeds
• Clarity on paper packaging recyclability is becoming more unified around regions and across the world

What are you most looking forward to hearing about at this year’s conference?

• How are we planning to further optimise cost of paper packaging
• New applications for barrier papers
• Innovative ways to functionalise papers without compromising its recyclability