Mondelēz International has replaced rigid PET trays with FSC-certified paper trays across more than 115 cookie products in Europe, a move expected to eliminate approximately 2,200 tonnes of virgin plastic annually.
Announced in Uxbridge on 4 September 2026, the transition covers eight brands: LU, Milka, Granola, Cadbury, Marabou, Chips Ahoy!, Lacta and Freia. The products are sold in more than 25 European markets, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Poland, Spain and the Nordic countries.
In the UK, the paper trays will be used for Cadbury Crunchy Melts, Cadbury Chocolate Chip Cookie and LU Petit Cookie products. Across Europe, the programme covers approximately 28,000 tonnes of cookies produced each year.
Based on projected 2026 production volumes, Mondelēz said the change represents an approximately 80% reduction compared with the plastic used in the previous packaging, including its outer wrap and PET tray. Information about the plastic reduction will be displayed on each affected product.
Olivier Kintzig, biscuits packaging director for Europe at Mondelēz International, said the transition required the company to reconsider “every layer of our packaging – from tray design to logistics”.
The company identified the programme as its largest packaging sustainability initiative undertaken within its European bakery category.
The project forms part of Mondelēz International’s programme to reduce its use of virgin rigid plastic globally by 25% by 2030. It follows other packaging changes within the company’s portfolio, including trays containing approximately 80% recycled PET for products sold under the Milka, Oreo, Cadbury and Chips Ahoy! brands.