The candy packaging of the future is not made from modern plastic or shiny foil, but rather wood pulp.

This spring, Ganong Bros Limited, Canada’s oldest candy company, will pack its Easter confectionery in stand-up pouches made from Innovia Films’ renewable, compostable cellulose-based material, NatureFlex, says the company.

The packaging features biodegradable wood-pulp and is fully compostable.

The design already has the caught the eye of the industry and won a PAC (The Packaging Association) Silver Award for ‘Branded Package Made in Canada’.

“We had two primary objectives in selecting the package: first and foremost was to improve sales and distribution and second to differentiate us from the competition,” says Bruce Rafuse, v.p. of marketing at Ganong. “We considered several alternatives, but based upon feedback from consumers and retailers we decided upon NatureFlex due to it being compostable and the distinct competitive advantage this gives us.”

The stand-up pouch pack is converted by Canadian-based Genpak using compostable NatureFlex laminated to a biopolymer sealant layer.

“NatureFlex provides excellent barriers to oxygen and moisture, which ensure the product maintains its quality,” says Bill Reilly, development manager at Genpak.

The Ganong’s Easter confectionery slated to be packed in new pouches includes: chocolate-covered cherry eggs, Easter eggs, chocolate-covered marshmallow eggs and Easter animal jellies. All of those products will be available nationally in Canada in the run up to Easter.

Ganong was founded in 1873 and remains family owned and operated. Its headquarters and manufacturing facility is in New Brunswick.

For more information about Ganong, visit www.ganong.com.

— M.K.