Oji Group to Supply Paper to Replace Plastic Wrapping for Nestlé Kit Kat Bars in Japan
The switch to paper could make a substantial reduction on plastic waste, as Japanese consumers buy roughly 4 million KitKat Mini bars daily. Nestlé expects to save 380 tons of plastic each year with the change.
Jan. 15, 2020 - Oji Holdings announced that Nestlé will use paper produced by Oji Group for the wrapper of its popular KitKat chocolate bars in Japan. Oji Group's paper replaces plastic wrapping that was used to package bars. The switch from plastic to paper is in line with Nestlé commitment to achieve a waste-free future and make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025, with a particular focus on avoiding plastic-waste. As part of that effort, Nestlé Japan in 2019 announced that its line of KitKat bars (original, dark chocolate, and matcha) will come wrapped in origami paper. According to Nestlé, the miniature version of the bars will come individually wrapped in matte stock paper instead of plastic, making it possible to fold the wrappers into different shapes. The wrappers will come printed with instructions for folding them into an origami crane, which symbolizes hope and healing. In a written statement, Oji Group said, "We highly appreciate Nestlé Group's considerate commitment towards creation of sustainable society. At the same time we will maintain supporting Nestlé's action as a packaging material supplier." The switch to paper could make a substantial reduction on plastic waste, as Japanese consumers buy roughly 4 million KitKat Mini bars daily. Nestlé expects to save 380 tons of plastic each year with the change. Oji concluded, "As environmental statements were made at G20 summit which was held in Osaka in June 2019, the need to replace plastic with paper for the purpose of environment protection is increasing all over the world. Oji Group would like to engage in SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) by supply of environmental friendly products together with our clients' actions. We are expecting expansion of the market followed by Thailand and Japan." Oji Holdings Corporation is involved in a wide range of industrial markets. The group of companies produce containerboard and corrugated containers, boxboard and folding cartons, packaging papers, tissue papers, specialty papers, newsprint and communication papers, along with pulp, energy, and lumber processing. To learn more, visit: www.ojiholdings.co.jp. SOURCE: Oji Holdings Corporation |