Cocoa Canopy adopts NatureFlex™ renewable and 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 is getting them noticed within their competitive market – when the company discussed future listings with Waitrose, the leading supermarket was greatly encouraged by Cocoa Canopy’s exploratory approach to alternatives to conventional plastic packaging routes.
NatureFlex™ film handles differently to conventional plastics, so in order to be certain its bagging machinery was compatible with the new substrate, the chocolate specialist worked closely with its suppliers. Ably assisted by engineers from both Futamura and the bagging machinery company, BW Flexibles, a solution was found that enabled Cocoa Canopy to manufacture at speed and meet demand from its growing customer base.
Based in Wigton, Cumbria, Futamura supplies renewable and compostable film for the food industry. Futamura’s sustainability credentials are in perfect synergy with Cocoa Canopy’s – the brand’s cocoa beans are from sustainable farming communities and it supports the Rainforest Alliance programme.
Cocoa Canopy is the only UK drinking chocolate company to offer crafted chocolate beads designed to be melted into milk or water for an in-home experience of luxurious hot chocolate that can be enjoyed anywhere, hot or iced. The brand is in an excellent position to capitalise on the growth in the premium hot chocolate category, which has been boosted by an increasing interest in hot chocolate stations, and a wide choice of convenient consumer hot chocolate makers.
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