KIND Snacks has introduced a fully recyclable paper wrapper in select Whole Foods Market locations across the United States, a move that may signal a turning point in snack food packaging.
The new wrapper, made from a How2Recycle pre-qualified, curbside-recyclable paper, is part of a broader pilot aimed at reducing single-use plastics in the snack category. It will be available on KIND’s Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt bars from May 1 through October 1 in select stores across eight states.
Sandra Lewis, Principal Packaging Advisor at Whole Foods Market, said the collaboration “represents a true paradigm shift in sustainable packaging,” highlighting it as “a significant milestone in our mission to reduce single-use plastics.”
This launch follows KIND’s initial paper wrapper trial in 2023, which was limited to its e-commerce platform. Feedback from that trial helped guide research and development over the past year, focusing on key metrics such as product shelf life, transportation durability, and packaging machine compatibility.
Osher Hoberman, Chief Marketing Officer of KIND North America, noted that the innovation is a direct response to consumer demand. “What we hear is clear — they want products that not only deliver exceptional quality but also align with their values,” he said.
The paper wrapper was developed in partnership with Printpack, a packaging solutions firm based in Atlanta. David Love, Printpack’s Chief Strategy Officer, praised the rapid progress.
“Developing a recyclable paper wrapper in less than two years demonstrates remarkable progress,” he said. “This sets a new standard for sustainable solutions in the food packaging industry.” KIND’s goal is to ensure all of its packaging is designed for recyclability by 2030.