UK-based retailer Waitrose & Partners has collaborated with Huhtamaki, Saladworks and Södra in an accelerated development project with the aim of finding a plastic-replacing, sustainable solution for ready meal trays.
via Shutterstock
Huhtamaki fibre-based trays set to replace black plastic
Tangible results of this co-operation are hitting the UK market with growing volumes. Waitrose & Partners will launch its Italian ready meal range in the new fibre-based tray suitable for both microwave and conventional ovens.
The new trays, called ‘Fresh’, are manufactured by the global food packaging specialist Huhtamaki, packed at Saladworks and the fibre used comes from Swedish forest company Södra. The trays can be recycled and are certified for home composting.
Black to basics
Waitrose & Partners Packaging Development Manager Nikki Grainge said: "We have made a commitment to move out of black plastic by the end of 2019. We have been testing the new trays since May 2018 and have received very positive feedback from our customers. Now, with the current Italian range moving to the new tray, we'll be able to move nearly nine million meals out of black plastic."
Made from natural materials with the wood fibre coming from certified, sustainable Nordic forests, for every tree felled, three more replace it.
Huhtamaki Project Manager Steve Davey added: "The project started in 2016 with the aim to find alternative food packaging for trays made from black plastic, most often CPET. The reason to avoid this material is not only its fossil origin, but also because it is problematic to recycle.”
The EU's Bio Based Industries Joint Undertaking for research and innovation secured the initial funding and helped build the core team, who wanted to spearhead the new concept in the UK – one of the most significant markets for ready meals in Europe.
