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★Mark us as a preferred sourceMondelēz International has taken a major step in sustainable packaging by introducing 100% FSC-certified paper trays across more than 115 cookie products in its European biscuits portfolio. This initiative removes approximately 2,200 tons of virgin plastic from the market annually, marking a nearly 80% reduction in plastic compared to the original packaging configuration.
The Mondelez European plastic packaging replacement marks the company’s largest single sustainable packaging initiative within its European bakery category to date. Under this new program, rigid PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic trays are being phased out in favor of sustainably sourced paper alternatives.
The Scope of the Mondelez European plastic packaging replacement
This massive transition reaches consumers across more than 25 European markets, encompassing countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the Nordics. The initiative spans eight iconic brands: LU, Milka, Granola, Cadbury, Marabou, Chips Ahoy!, Lacta, and Freia. Specifically in the UK, popular items such as Cadbury Crunchy Melts, Cadbury Chocolate Chip Cookies, and LU Petit Cookies will now feature the new paper trays. As we have seen in our previous article regarding sustainable packaging and global policies, strategic shifts by multinational food companies are critical in setting new industry benchmarks.
Quantitative Data and Sustainability Goals
The Mondelez European plastic packaging replacement covers roughly 28,000 tons of cookies produced on an annual basis. By introducing paper trays to these product lines, the company avoids the use of approximately 2,200 tons of virgin plastic every single year. When evaluating the combined plastic usage of the previous outer wrap and the PET tray (based on projected FY2026 production volumes), this transition delivers an estimated 80% reduction in plastic packaging. This effort is directly aligned with Mondelēz International’s broader global commitment to reduce the use of virgin rigid plastics by 25% by the year 2030, compared to a 2020 baseline.
Past Innovations and Future Progress
This transition did not happen overnight; it builds on a strong track record of prior sustainability milestones. Mondelēz had already integrated approximately 80% recycled PET (rPET) into trays for brands like Milka, Oreo, Cadbury, and Chips Ahoy!. Furthermore, the UK division made localized progress by testing paper tubs for Cadbury Heroes in 2025 and shifting to paper outer packaging for Cadbury Animals and Mini Fingers multipacks. Going forward, every newly packaged product will clearly communicate the plastic reduction on the pack, allowing consumers to make informed, eco-conscious purchasing decisions at a glance.
FAQ
Which products are affected by the packaging change?
The initiative involves more than 115 cookie products across eight brands, including LU, Milka, Granola, Cadbury, Marabou, Chips Ahoy!, Lacta, and Freia.
How much plastic does the company save with this initiative?
By transitioning to paper trays, Mondelēz removes approximately 2,200 tons of virgin plastic from its packaging supply chain annually.
In which markets have the new paper trays been introduced?
The paper trays are rolling out in over 25 markets across Europe, including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Poland, Spain, and the Nordics.
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