Big Brands Changing from Plastic to Cardboard

As the demand for sustainable packaging continues to grow, some iconic brands are swapping plastic packaging for sustainable alternatives. In this post, we take a look at some iconic brands that are swapping plastic packaging for cardboard.

Quality Street Tub

On 9th October 2024, Nestle issued a press release stating that they are trialling a paper tub for its iconic Quality Street tub in selected Tesco stores this year. Since 2022, the sweet wrappers have been made of paper, therefore all the packaging can go into the recycling bin.

The paper tub, which comes in the Quality Street brand purple, has a luxurious look, and is embellished with gold foil. The integrated re-close feature of the tub allows it to be securely closed once opened.

Photo reproduced with the kind permission of Nestle UK

Pringles

In 2024, Pringles launched a new 90% paper-based tube in the UK. The steel base of the old packaging was replaced with a cardboard base. The seal of the tub is not recyclable but once that is removed, the rest of the tube can be recycled in the “green” (recycling) bin. You can see photos of the new Pringles tube here.

Absolut Vodka

In summer 2023, Absolut Vodka ran a 3 month trial of a paper-based bottle as a more sustainable alternative to glass bottles. Other alcohol brands which are also trialling alternatives to glass include Johnnie Walker and Carlsberg. The supermarket giant, Aldi, launched it’s own-brand paper-based wine bottles in March 2024. You can view the bottle here.

Quaker Oats

Quaker Oats have made their porridge pots fully recyclable by removing the plastic liner. Now, users can simply rinse the pot before putting it in the recycling bin.

Cox and Co

Cox and Co, a small chocolate brand, have been pioneers in the world of confectionery packaging. Their paper-based flow wrap is the first of its kind and means that this packaging is fully recyclable.

Photo reproduced with the kind permission of Cox and Co