Amcor is collaborating with organic snack producer Riverside Natural Foods to provide its AmFiber paper-based packaging for Riverside’s MadeGood Trail Mix bars. This packaging upgrade is designed to be curbside recyclable while maintaining high performance standards.

Source: PackagingInsights

AmFiber is constructed from a paper-based laminate that uses FSC-certified fiber. Amcor claims that this new packaging can decrease the use of virgin plastic by 77% compared to traditional bar wraps.

The partnership of Amcor and Riverside Natural Foods pairs two industry leaders in sustainability to deliver an innovative package that is How2Recycle certified and easy for consumers to recycle anywhere.

^{Desmond Van Houten, director of marketing at Amcor Flexibles North America}

Furthermore, Western Michigan University in the U.S. has certified the product, confirming it meets the necessary reliability standards for recycling processes.

Consumer Compatibility

Amcor and Riverside Natural Foods also conducted an independent home usage study to evaluate the effectiveness of the packaging. Over the course of one week, consumers tested the product and assessed its performance.

The study revealed that 79% of consumers felt the packaging was “somewhat better” or “much better” than typical granola bar wrappers. Additionally, 79% of participants indicated they would prefer this product over another brand lacking recyclable packaging.

At Riverside Natural Foods, we are continuously letting our curiosity guide us and asking ourselves, how can we take the next best step toward a more sustainable future? For us, this was innovating a category-first paper package for our consumers to enjoy while minimizing the impact on the planet. We are so proud to achieve this with our partners at Amcor.

^{Salma Fotovat, co-founder and sourcing, procurement, and impact director at Riverside Natural Foods}

Snack Packaging

Industry experts are noting an increasing tension between the demand for convenient, disposable foodservice packaging and the associated environmental concerns. As a result, many snack packaging providers are transitioning from plastic to paper-based alternatives.

For example, last year Walkers Chocolates introduced its Turkish Delight and Mint Cream chocolate bars in fully recyclable paper wrappers, while Sonoco supplied DoggyLove with paper-based cans for dog food.