Italian pasta manufacturer La Molisana has introduced a compostable paper-based packaging format that replaces the conventional plastic structure with kraft paper and a transparent regenerated cellulose window. Featured in ThePackHub’s Innovation Zone, the development retains product visibility while introducing compostable materials to a high-volume dry food category.
Based in Campobasso, Italy, La Molisana has developed the packaging for both long and short pasta formats, although the two versions carry different compostability certifications.
Replacing Plastic with Fibre-Based Materials
The new pack uses kraft paper as its primary material, with a transparent regenerated cellulose window allowing consumers to see the pasta inside. This maintains a familiar feature of conventional pasta packaging while moving the main structure towards paper and compostable components.
Product visibility is particularly relevant for pasta, where consumers may want to assess the shape and appearance of the product before purchasing. Retaining this feature allows La Molisana to change the packaging materials without removing an established element of the consumer experience.
The development also demonstrates how paperisation can extend beyond fully opaque packs, with cellulose-based materials providing an alternative to conventional plastic windows.
Different Compostability Certifications for Pasta Formats
An important distinction is the certification achieved for different pasta formats. Packaging for long pasta is certified for both industrial and home composting, while the short pasta version is currently certified for industrial composting only.
This difference reflects the distinct packaging requirements and production processes associated with the two formats. It also has implications for how consumers should dispose of the packaging after use.
Where local collection systems accept certified compostable packaging, the packs may be suitable for household organic waste collections. However, disposal requirements will depend on the certification of the individual pack, local waste management infrastructure and the instructions provided on the packaging.
The distinction between home and industrial compostability is particularly important because the two certifications do not indicate identical disposal conditions.
Clear Disposal Instructions Will Be Essential
ThePackHub’s Paul Jenkins highlights the importance of communicating these differences to consumers:
I like that this pack changes the materials while retaining product visibility. For me, the key is helping consumers understand disposal. Different composting certifications for long and short pasta could cause confusion, making clear instructions essential.
This is a relevant consideration for brands introducing compostable packaging across multiple product formats. Although the material change offers an alternative to conventional plastic packaging, the effectiveness of the intended end-of-life route depends on consumers understanding which disposal options are appropriate.
La Molisana’s development combines fibre-based material substitution with a commercially launched compostable packaging format. Its application across different pasta shapes also highlights the importance of aligning packaging design, certification and consumer communication when introducing alternative materials.
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