In the fast-evolving food packaging landscape, strategic partnerships between manufacturers and distributors can accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies. This is exactly the case with Bunzl UK & Ireland and Huhtamaki, who have announced an exclusive agreement to distribute the new Taste Boxes in the UK and Ireland. These hot food containers are made from responsibly sourced paper and coated with Morro Coating, a plant-protein-based technology developed by Xampla.
What makes these boxes truly remarkable is not just their sustainability credentials, but the fact that they are classified as plastic-free under the EU Single Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). The plant-based coating provides grease and leak resistance while keeping the container fully recyclable within the paper stream, a solution that combines technical performance with regulatory compliance, two aspects often at odds in this sector.
The agreement, running until October 2025, will see Bunzl supply the Taste Boxes to a wide range of customers, from quick-service restaurants to catering services and food delivery operators, positioning the product as a premium option for those seeking responsible packaging without compromising on functionality. This is not a debut for the technology: Xampla had already introduced Morro Coating in Germany through Just Eat Takeaway.com, with over 40,000 restaurants participating.
So why does this news matter strategically for the packaging industry? Let’s break down the key impact areas.
- Regulation and compliance: The SUPD poses complex challenges for food packaging manufacturers and users. The Taste Boxes demonstrate that it is possible to offer solutions that completely avoid classification as single-use plastic, simplifying approval processes and reducing the risk of future adjustments.
- Competitive sustainability: Demand for eco-friendly packaging is rising, but not all alternatives can match the performance of conventional materials. In this case, the plant-based coating not only replaces plastic but also delivers oil and liquid resistance, ensuring service quality remains high.
- Environmental impact reduction: Using responsibly sourced paper and a recyclable plant-based coating reduces the product’s overall footprint, supporting a more circular approach in line with many companies’ sustainability goals.
- Industrial scalability: Morro Coating is a “drop-in” solution, meaning it can be applied with existing manufacturing processes. This allows the innovation to be adopted rapidly at scale without the need for heavy investment in new equipment.
- Brand visibility and market reach: Through Bunzl’s distribution network, the Taste Boxes can reach diverse markets and segments (from retail to institutional catering) accelerating the adoption of more sustainable standards. The embossed Morro logo on the boxes also acts as a direct communication element to the end consumer.
- Driving innovation: This case shows how collaboration between companies with different expertise can generate solutions that are easily replicable in other packaging segments. Similar developments could be expected in the coming years for products targeting markets such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or food e-commerce.
Huhtamaki and Bunzl’s Taste Boxes are a concrete example of how technological innovation, commercial strategy, and sustainability can converge in a single product that anticipates both regulatory and market demands. A strong signal for the industry: the future of packaging will not only be more sustainable but also smarter and more integrated within the value chain.
Image Credit: Xampla
