Huhtamaki and 2M Group of Companies have entered into an exclusive partnership. Huhtamaki will receive Xampla's plastic-free Morro Coating and use it for premium corrugated food containers. Morro Coating serves as a replacement for conventional barrier coatings in take-away boxes.
The agreement between Huhtamaki and the 2M Group of Companies will see Morro Coating used extensively in selected on-the-go applications in the catering industry to promote Huhtamaki's wider use of alternative recyclable and compostable packaging solutions from renewable sources. Huhtamaki's UK manufacturing facilities supply innovative packaging solutions to the world's leading quick service restaurants, speciality coffee and catering brands.
„This agreement is a milestone for the expansion of our Morro coating into the packaging industry market and demonstrates our support for the industry and our ambition to reduce plastic. The most reputable companies in the food industry trust Huhtamaki as their first choice for sustainable packaging solutions, so the introduction of Xampla coating will enable a positive environmental change that will benefit millions of consumers. Partnerships like this are what drive us. Together, we are committed to enabling plant-based solutions at scale that maximise the benefits to the natural environment.“
Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla
Morro Coating was developed by the Cambridge-based deep-tech company Xampla and is an alternative to plastic coatings made from both renewable and fossil raw materials. The material produced from plant proteins is safe for contact with food and offers a grease, water and oxygen barrier as well as heat-sealing properties. Classified as a natural polymer, the Morro coating is free from perfluorinated and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), known as „forever chemicals“, and plastic. The material is exempt from the Single Use Plastics Directive. The natural material can be used on a variety of substrates and is suitable for many food packaging applications.
„The 2M Group of Companies is committed to advancing sustainable solutions through innovation in science and manufacturing. We are proud to partner with Huhtamaki, one of the world's leading packaging manufacturers, and Xampla to develop alternatives to plastic packaging that help create a better future for our planet.“
Mottie Kessler OBE, Chairwoman and CEO of the 2M Group of Companies
Xampla's partnership with the 2M Group of Companies was announced last year and this exciting milestone represents a significant step forward in the commercialisation of Morro technology. The 2M Group of Companies and Xampla successfully secured an Innovate UK SMART grant to scale up the manufacture, supply and distribution of Morro Coating to several tonnes per day. The agreement gives Huhtamaki exclusivity for the use of the coating in corrugated food containers. The 2M Group of Companies is keen to agree further partnerships for other applications of Xampla technology.
„At Huhtamaki, we have the ambition and values to play a pioneering role in sustainable food packaging. Packaging improves food safety and makes everyday items more hygienic, accessible and affordable. The use of Xampla's technology in some of our key food solutions further contributes to our endeavour to protect food, people and the planet.“
Andy Hesp, General Manager Huhtamaki UK & Ireland
Source: Huhtamaki
