Innovating Sustainable Packaging Together with a Paperboard Sweetshop Favourites Container
Affinity has had the pleasure of working with Swizzels for many years, producing our first ‘Refreshers Original’ carton for them in 2007. Over the years, our partnership has grown stronger. What began as a small account for Affinity has now become one of our most valued and significant customers.
In 2023, we saw an opportunity to showcase our skills and innovation by proactively presenting Swizzels with a more sustainable, efficient addition to their iconic ‘Sweet Shop Favourites’ range. Our goal was to offer a paperboard box that retained the vibrant, recognisable design Swizzels’ customers love, while offering additional benefits. This new packaging is light, can be flat-packed for transport to reduce storage and delivery costs, and allows for quick design changes, making it perfect for seasonal promotions.
Jonathan Dee, Purchasing Director and lead on Sustainability at Swizzels, said, “We’ve worked with Affinity for a long time, and that mutual loyalty has built a strong understanding of both our needs and the evolving sugar confectionery market. So, I was really excited when they came to me with this innovative idea, which we’re currently trialling with one of our customers. I believe it’s going to be very well received. That said, it’s important to note that we don’t see this as a replacement for our beloved tubs, that are both recyclable and reusable. Instead, this new option is an addition to meet some of our consumers’ changing preferences.”
While paperboard offers many advantages, it’s important to recognise that plastic tubs still have a role in the market. Plastic tubs are durable and can be recycled at specialist reprocessing centres, where they’re repurposed into materials for new plastic products. However, many households hold onto these tubs for years, using them for storage. There is room for both plastic and paperboard packaging, as each material serves different needs.
In May 2024, Swizzels commissioned their first run of the new paperboard box, which we believe will align with growing consumer and industry demands for eco-conscious choices. Paperboard is easily recyclable, accepted by most local council kerbside collections, and contributes to the circular economy with over 70% of fibre used in UK paper and board production coming from recycled paper.
Swizzels has once again led the industry with their trial, and we look forward to seeing more companies follow their lead. We await feedback on the new packaging and are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation together.
Watch this space…