The Noirmoutier Sea Salt Cooperative is known for its commitment to responsible production. It has now taken a significant step forward by transitioning its Agri-Éthique labelled range to Sonoco’s GreenCan®, a paper-based packaging solution that supports circularity.
Along the windswept Atlantic coast of France, tradition runs deep. For generations, salt workers have carefully harvested sea salt by hand. The landscapes of Noirmoutier are more than a place of production. They reflect a heritage built on respect for nature, craftsmanship, and quality.
Today, this same philosophy is extending beyond the product itself. It now shapes the packaging that brings it to consumers.
A heritage product meets paper-based packaging
This shift replaces traditional plastic sprinkler containers with a fibre-based alternative featuring an integrated paper lid.
The result is packaging that better reflects the cooperative’s core values while maintaining the high-performance standards required for a product as delicate as sea salt.
Consistency from Origin to Shelf.
For the cooperative, the decision was about more than sustainability—it was about coherence. From the salt marshes to the supermarket shelf, every element of the product experience should reflect the same principles: responsibility, transparency, and long-term thinking.
“In anticipation of the upcoming PPWR regulation, we wanted to reduce plastic waste by adopting packaging that is more sustainable and genuinely circular. Sonoco’s GreenCan® met our sustainability requirements and allowed us to implement this transition with a solution aligned with our values and our long-term vision. GreenCan® combines high paper content with functional performance for demanding food applications. The packaging contains up to 98% paper and incorporates renewable and recycled fibres, while providing the barrier protection needed to preserve product freshness and quality. For hygroscopic products such as sea salt, this balance between sustainability and protection is critical.”
Joël Piau, Director, Noirmoutier Sea Salt Cooperative
This transition ensures that the story of Noirmoutier sea salt remains consistent—from its natural origins to its final presentation on the shelf.
Paper-based packaging delivers performance
One of the key challenges in moving away from plastic packaging is maintaining product integrity. This is especially important for hygroscopic products like sea salt.
GreenCan® addresses this challenge by combining:
● Up to 98% paper content
● Renewable and recycled fibres
● Functional barrier protection to preserve freshness
Noirmoutier joins the paper movement
The Noirmoutier initiative is part of a broader transformation across the packaging industry toward more circular solutions.
Brands are increasingly replacing plastic with fibre-based alternatives. This movement is often referred to as “paperisation.” It is accelerating rapidly, with paper-based product launches increasing by over 122% between 2023 and 2025..
Noirmotier’s transition to paper-based packaging is aligned with a broader industry shift
The Noirmoutier initiative illustrates how heritage food brands can rethink packaging as an integral part of their sustainability strategy. It aligns product values, consumer expectations, and future regulatory requirements.
This transition also reflects a broader transformation across the packaging industry. Fibre-based solutions are playing an increasing role in reducing plastic use while maintaining product protection and quality.
At Sonoco, innovations such as GreenCan® continue to expand the possibilities for paper-based packaging. These solutions enable brands to meet both performance needs and sustainability goals while supporting the transition toward more circular packaging.