In a world where eco-responsibility has become a strong consumer expectation and an increasing regulatory requirement, the Spanish cutlery brand founded in 1734 is undergoing a major transformation. The company has announced that all its new packaging will switch to 100% recyclable formats — a genuine strategic shift, aligned with today’s environmental challenges and the demands of distribution.
For over a year, the company has been rolling out a comprehensive packaging overhaul. “Today, around ten product lines are already benefiting from next-generation packaging, with a clear objective: to reach 100% by the end of 2026,” explains Frédéric Moyon, Director of Arcos France. All product categories are affected: kitchen knives, scissors, cookware, sharpening steels… He emphasizes that this project is part of a global CSR approach. In France, the company is a member of Adelphe, the eco-organization specializing in packaging recycling, and also participates in Spain’s Ecoembes waste management system.
Three packaging concepts for three product ranges
To support this transition, Arcos has designed three distinct packaging concepts, each corresponding to a product range. For the “Premium” range, the brand offers a highly recyclable cardboard box, featuring a sliding sleeve that highlights the knife blade. The inside of this box includes innovative inserts made from cellulose powder, combining protection and aesthetics. The “Best Choice” range relies on smart box-shaped packaging, with a window made of “Clarifoil,” a plant-based thermoplastic, biodegradable and recyclable with cardboard. This material replaces traditional plastic while ensuring optimal product visibility. Finally, for the “Basics” range, the brand is replacing traditional blister packs in favor of heat-sealed cardboard, robust and secure, now produced in-house thanks to a dedicated industrial investment.
Reconciling safety, visibility and sustainability
The challenge was considerable: to design packaging that is safe, attractive, and free from conventional plastic. “One of the greatest challenges of this transition was reconciling product visibility, user safety – essential in cutlery – and the elimination of traditional plastic,” comments Sarah Musat, Marketing Manager at Arcos France. “To achieve this, Arcos deployed two main solutions. The first was high-definition embossed photography printed on closed packaging, allowing the product’s actual appearance to be reproduced with great fidelity. This approach drastically reduces the use of transparent plastic without compromising product appeal. The second relies on the use of sustainable materials.”
A new in-store experience
Beyond the environmental impact, Arcos is also rethinking the customer experience at the point of sale. Without transparent plastic, visual merchandising has been reinvented. For less visible ranges, adapted solutions are planned: 2025 showcases, countertop displays, mobile mini-screens… Each product range now benefits from tailored displays according to its sales channel, while ensuring clear communication: high-quality visuals, clean lines, structured information, and a return to the brand’s color codes. “The goal was to create packaging more aligned with ecological challenges, while improving brand visibility and without losing sight of sales objectives. This transition is essential, allowing manufacturers and distributors to move forward together towardsa more sustainable model,” concludes Frédéric Moyon.
Source: Home Fashion News Magazine – September 2025 (HFN58)
