A chocolate wrapper may look like simple trash, but a new project shows that plastic waste can have a second life.
In July 2026, the chemical company LyondellBasell announced a new type of wrapper for Marabou chocolate bars. The packaging was developed with Mondelēz International, Amcor, Taghleef Industries, and other partners. It uses material sourced from 75% recycled content. (investors.lyondellbasell.com)
The process begins with mixed plastic waste from consumers. This includes soft packaging that is usually difficult to recycle. Through chemical recycling, the waste is changed into a useful raw material. Manufacturers can then use it to produce new, high-quality plastic for food packaging.
However, there is an important point. The companies use a system called “mass balance.” Recycled and new materials are mixed during production, so we cannot say that exactly 75% of every individual wrapper physically comes from old plastic. Instead, the system carefully records how much recycled material enters the total production process. An independent certification system checks this information. (investors.lyondellbasell.com)
Several companies must work together to make the wrapper. LyondellBasell provides the recycled plastic material. Taghleef Industries makes the base film, and Amcor turns it into the final chocolate packaging. This teamwork is necessary because food wrappers must protect taste and quality while meeting strict safety rules. (investors.lyondellbasell.com)
Plastic waste remains a serious problem, and one wrapper cannot solve it. Still, this project offers an interesting example of a circular economy. Instead of using plastic once and throwing it away, companies can collect it, process it, and give it a new purpose. In the future, your chocolate wrapper may carry not only a sweet snack but also the story of yesterday’s plastic waste.










