Huhtamaki testing new fiber-based ready-meal packaging
By Canadian Packaging staff
Sustainability European Commission fiber-based ready meal packaging FRESH project Huhtamaki Huhtamäki Oyj Saladworks SödraTrial version of a renewable fiber-based ready meal packaging to be tested with consumers in the U.K., as part of the EU’s intention to eliminate single-use plastic products.
A trial version of a renewable fiber-based ready meal packaging has begun testing with consumers in the U.K.—and could become a possible solution to the very recent threats from the European Union’s Commission to ban harmful single-use plastic products.
Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, global specialist in packaging for food and drink, Huhtamaki, is part of a three-party consortium developing an alternative to existing plastic ready meal trays.
The concept is being tested via two Italian-style ready meals at a major U.K. retail chain in May-June of 2018.
The trial is part of a project aiming at developing a bio-based ready meal package for the U.K. market. The new tray offers a viable alternative to black plastic packaging, which is problematic for the waste processers’ lasers that identify materials for recycling.
Ready meal consumption continues to grow throughout Europe and new sustainable solutions are welcome. The new material feels like cardboard and is made of fiber derived from Forest Stewardship Council certified sources.
“We hope this novel solution will be well received and that this project will be a tipping point for the adoption of bio-based packages in this segment. We know that alternatives based on renewable materials are needed,” says Huhtamaki’s Steve Davey.
“Both producers and consumers are demanding alternatives to plastic packaging. The material Durapulp is a renewable alternative and suitable for sensitive substances such as food,” says Södra senior vice-president of innovation and new business Catrin Gustavsson.
Huhtamaki has developed this new packaging concept in partnership with Södra and Saladworks in an EU-funded project called FRESH that will run until 2020.
For more information follow the FRESH project at www.huhtamaki.com/web/fresh.
About Huhtamaki
Huhtamaki is a global specialist in packaging for food and drink. With a network of 76 manufacturing units and additional 24 sales only offices in altogether 34 countries, it is well-placed to support customer growth wherever they operate. Mastering three distinctive packaging technologies, approximately 17,600 employees develop and make packaging that helps great products reach more people, more easily. In 2017 net sales totaled €3.0 billion (~CDN $4.5 billion). The Group has its head office in Espoo, Finland and the parent company Huhtamäki Oyj is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. Additional information is available at www.huhtamaki.com.
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