The takeaway packaging developed by Metsä Board for an innovation competition in Helsinki using fresh fibre paperboard is rated by consumers and restaurateurs as user-friendly, recyclable and functional. This is the first result of a pilot project in which Metsä Board participated.
In the spring Metsä Board announced that it is working with a concept for modular Takeaway packaging in catering was one of the seven prize-winning entries in an innovation competition organised by a wholesale market in Helsinki. The winners took part in a Pilot project part, which has now been completed.
The takeaway packaging developed by the project group under the leadership of Metsä Board is easy to recycle and is made from Virgin fibre board of the company. This sets it apart from conventional takeaway packaging, which is often still made from polystyrene. Styrofoam or the underlying material EPS will soon be allowed to use the EUPlastics Directive no longer for Disposable plastic articles be used. The catering industry therefore urgently needs new packaging solutions.
Takeaway packaging made of cardboard is denser than its polystyrene counterpart
According to the company, the modular packaging solution developed by Metsä Board offers even better product properties than its polystyrene counterpart. This is because it can be sealed more tightly. Basically, it consists of an outer packaging in which several inserts of different sizes can be placed, depending on the food. The Catering establishments can customise the packaging with stickers they have designed themselves. The overall appearance of the packaging is the same for all catering businesses, as they can customise their takeaway packaging using the Wholesale purchase. The caterers have now been provided with samples that they can continue to test over the course of the summer.
The team, led by Metsä Board, also included Cadpack Oy, a Finnish company that designed and manufactured the packaging. Responsibility for coordinating the pilot project and for the consumer studies was assumed by Package Testing & Research Ltd together with the research service provider Sense N Insight. The project, sponsored by the City of Helsinki and Business Finland Innovation competition aims to develop new technical processes and other innovative solutions for food and its production - including in the areas of packaging, the circular economy and clean technologies.
Consumers rate paper-based packaging favourably
Cardboard packaging are not regarded as inferior by consumers, according to the Consumer study as part of the pilot project. Leena Yliniemi, Technical Marketing Director at Metsä Board, explains: „In the consumer study, participants stated that they were willing to pay more for paperboard packaging because they perceived it to be more sustainable. Our packaging was also able to enhance the image of premium food products.“
[infotext icon]Find out more about Metsä Board at http://www.metsaboard.com.
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