Mondelēz International is replacing rigid PET trays with paper trays across more than 115 cookie products in Europe, extending the use of fibre-based packaging across eight of its biscuit brands.
The transition covers LU, Milka, Granola, Cadbury, Marabou, Chips Ahoy!, Lacta and Freia in more than 25 European markets, including France, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Poland and the Nordic countries. The products involved represent approximately 28,000 tonnes of biscuits produced annually.
Mondelēz describes the new trays as 100% FSC-certified paper trays, replacing the rigid polyethylene terephthalate (PET) trays previously used for the affected products.
Based on projected fiscal 2026 production volumes, the company estimates that the change will reduce its use of virgin plastic by approximately 2,200 tonnes per year. Mondelēz says this represents an approximately 80% reduction compared with the previous packaging configuration, a calculation that includes plastic used in both the outer wrapper and the PET tray.
According to Olivier Kintzig, Biscuits Packaging Director for Europe at Mondelēz International, converting 115 products across eight brands and 25 markets required changes extending from tray design to logistics.
In France, Mondelēz has already completed the switch to paper trays for Granola Kango and LU Guet-Apens products manufactured at its La Haye-Fouassière biscuit plant. The company estimates that these two products alone will reduce virgin plastic use by about 50 tonnes annually. Mondelēz says additional European production sites and brands will follow as the broader rollout continues.
The initiative builds on previous efforts to reduce virgin plastic in the company’s packaging. Mondelēz has incorporated approximately 80% recycled PET into trays used for selected Milka, Oreo, Cadbury and Chips Ahoy! products.
The project also supports Mondelēz International’s broader packaging goals. The company is targeting a 25% global reduction in virgin rigid plastic use by 2030 compared with a 2020 baseline.
The transition comes as European packaging requirements tighten. The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation has applied since August 12, 2026, with additional measures being phased in. Harmonised design-for-recycling requirements are scheduled to begin applying from 2030, subject to the timing of related EU legislation, while recycled-content requirements will apply to certain plastic packaging. A separate recycled-at-scale assessment is scheduled to take effect from 2035 at the earliest.
Mondelēz International is a global snacking company whose portfolio includes brands such as Oreo, LU, Milka, Cadbury, Ritz and belVita. The company produces biscuits, chocolate and other snack products for markets worldwide.
