Huhtamaki and 2M Group of Companies will apply Xampla’s plant-based Morro Coating polymer to a range of takeaway boxes in a new, multi-year supply deal set to help Huhtamaki transition into recyclable, compostable, and renewable packaging solutions.
Morro coating is made from plant protein and is classified as a natural polymer. Intended to replace both fossil-based and renewable plastic coatings, it is said to be free from plastics and both per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), meaning it is exempt from the Single-Use Plastics Directive.
Apparently, it is fully biodegradable and home-compostable; Xampla emphasizes that the material is food contact-safe, reporting that its grease, water, and oxygen barrier performance – alongside its compatibility with heat sealing – makes the coating an appropriate solution for various food packaging applications.
Now the deal between Huhtamaki and 2M Group of Companies is set to roll out Morro Coating at scale for selected foodservice on-the-go applications, with Huhtamaki’s UK manufacturing facilities supplying quick service restaurant, specialty coffee, and catering brands.
Huhtamaki envisions that the use of Morro Coating will boost its utilization of alternative recyclable and compostable packaging solutions derived from renewable sources. In themselves, Morro materials are hoped to replace up to 10,000 tonnes of single-use plastic coatings by 2031, as well as one million kilometres of plastic-coated paperboard.
Alexandra French, CEO at Xampla, commented: “This deal marks a landmark expansion of our Morro Coating in market for the packaging industry, demonstrating our support to the industry and our plastic-reduction ambitions.
“The biggest name players in the food sector trust Huhtamaki as the first choice in sustainable packaging solutions, so their introduction of Xampla’s coating allows a positive environmental change to benefit millions of consumers.
“Partnerships like these are what drive us. Where there is a joint commitment to enable plant-based solutions at scale for the maximum benefit to the natural environment.”
“The 2M Group of Companies are committed to promoting sustainable solutions using innovation in science and manufacturing,” continued Mottie Kessler OBE, chair and CEO of the 2M Group of Companies. “We are proud to be working with Huhtamaki, one of the leading packaging manufacturers in the world and Xampla to deliver alternatives to plastic packaging, which help create a better future for our planet.”
Andy Hesp, general manager Huhtamaki UK & Ireland, added: “At Huhtamaki, our ambition and values to lead the way in sustainable food packaging are clear. Packaging enhances food security and makes everyday necessities more hygienic, more accessible and more affordable.
“The adoption of Xampla’s technology on some of our core food service solutions further contributes towards our drive to protect food, people and the planet.”
Xampla announced its partnership with the 2M Group of Companies last year. The partners sought to address customer needs in the personal care and Homecare Institutional and Industrial (HI&I) markets, developing new opportunities and partnerships in the packaging space.
Since then, they have received the Innovate UK Smart Grant in order to scale up the manufacture, supply, and distribution of Morro materials, targeting an increase of multiple tonnes per day.
Xampla’s latest funding round raised US$7 million (€6,466,250) for its Morro Coating, with the money set to expand the material into takeaway packaging, sachets, and cups for new markets – a move intended to phase out single-use plastics.
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