Cocoa Canopy adopts NatureFlex compostable packaging

Consistent growth has seen the company move from hand-packing its products into film bags and selling at food and gift fairs, to a new film and automated bagging line that continuously packs the product, ready to stock supermarket shelves. 

As early-adopters of NatureFlex, a cellulose film made by the manufacturer Futamura, Cocoa Canopy’s forward-thinking gets noticed within its competitive market – when the company discussed future listings with Waitrose, one of the leading supermarkets in the UK, was greatly encouraged by Cocoa Canopy’s exploratory approach to alternatives to conventional plastic packaging routes.

NatureFlex film handles differently to conventional plastics, so to be certain its bagging machinery was compatible with the new substrate, the chocolate specialist worked closely with its suppliers. 

Emma Wilson, business development manager at Cocoa Canopy, said: ‘Sustainability is about the journey and not the destination. Cocoa Canopy has always been about the provenance but, until we refreshed our brand, it wasn’t talked about and wasn’t mentioned on the packaging. Being kind to the planet is not just about business, I want to work for a pioneering company that my future grandchildren can be proud of.’

Managing director of Cocoa Canopy, Nav Notay, added: ‘Futamura has been very supportive on our journey. Particularly when finding a solution for the bagging machinery, they have been with us every step of the way, working with the engineers to get us exactly where we need to be.’

‘We are delighted that our NatureFlex films are part of Cocoa Canopy’s packaging solution, complementing the company’s ethical values. Not only are the films derived from readily renewable cellulose, sourced from responsibly managed plantations, they are also fully certified for home and industrial composting after their use,’ concluded Futamura sales and marketing manager, Andy Sweetman.