NETHERLANDS – Upfield, a global leader in plant-based foods, has unveiled the “world’s first” plastic-free recyclable tub for its plant butters and spreads, marking a significant milestone in sustainable packaging innovation.
The revolutionary paper tubs, a result of four years of research and development in collaboration with Footprint, MCC, and Pagès Group, are a key component of Upfield’s strategy to reduce plastic content by 80% across its portfolio by 2030.
The plastic-free paper tubs, developed using Footprint’s material sciences technology, are made from compressed wet paper fibers, providing a durable, oil-resistant, and appealing packaging solution.
Unlike traditional plastic tubs, these pioneering containers are waterproof and recyclable in local paper waste streams, contributing to a reduction in plastic waste.
Karina Cerdeira, Head of Packaging at Upfield, expressed pride in the achievement, and stated that the company had made the impossible, possible.”
She highlighted the collaborative effort and dedication of Upfield and Footprint’s R&D teams, emphasizing the significance of the new paper tub in minimizing reliance on plastic.
“The tubs have received the ‘Conventional Plastic Free Certification’ and utilize paper from a PEFC-certified supplier. Upfield anticipates achieving home compostability certification by 2025.”
Notably, the absence of a plastic liner allows the paper tubs to be recycled along with other paper and cardboard household waste.
“When we established Upfield, innovating our way out of plastic tubs was our moonshot,” David Haines, Upfield’s Group CEO, stated commending the company’s commitment to innovation.
He expressed excitement about the potential to launch the plastic-free paper tubs across Upfield’s most iconic brands in significant markets.
Yoke Chung, Co-founder and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Footprint, hailed the collaboration with Upfield as a groundbreaking solution that establishes a pioneering industry standard.
The introduction of the first oil-resistant paper tub for plant-based spreads aligns with their shared objective of assisting customers in achieving sustainability goals.
The plastic-free paper tubs were initially launched in Austria with Upfield’s Flora Plant brand in late 2023, and the company plans to scale this sustainable solution across additional European markets and brands in the coming year.
Upfield aims to replace up to two billion plastic tubs by 2030, translating to a substantial reduction of over 25,000 tons of plastic waste per year.
This significant step towards a more sustainable packaging solution is in line with Upfield’s broader ambition to contribute to a healthier planet and aligns with consumer preferences for environmentally friendly products.
The company’s dedication to further innovation, adaptability for compostability, and refining toward optimal solutions showcase a commitment to driving positive change in the industry.
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