The deal between Huhtamaki and 2M Group of Companies will see Morro™ Coating deployed at scale in selected foodservice on-the-go applications, enhancing Huhtamaki’s wider use of alternative recyclable and compostable packaging solutions derived from renewable sources.
Huhtamaki’s UK manufacturing facilities supply innovative packaging solutions to leading global Quick Service Restaurant, Specialty Coffee and catering brands.
Developed by Cambridge based deep-tech company Xampla, Morro™ Coating is an alternative to both renewable and fossil-derived plastic coatings. Made from plant protein, the material is food contact safe and delivers excellent grease, water and oxygen barrier performance as well as heat-seal ability.
Classified as a natural polymer, Morro™ Coating is completely free from both Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS), known as ‘forever chemicals’, and plastic. The material is exempt from the Single Use Plastic Directive.
A completely natural material, it can be used on a variety of substrates and tailored for use across many food packaging applications.
Alexandra French, CEO at Xampla, said: “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.”
Mottie Kessler OBE, Chair and CEO of the 2M Group of Companies said, “The 2M Group of Companies are committed to promoting sustainable solutions using innovation in science and manufacturing.
“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, said: “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’s landmark partnership with the 2M Group of Companies was announced last year and this exciting milestone represents significant progress on the commercialisation of Morro™ technology.
The 2M Group of Companies and Xampla were successfully awarded an Innovate UK SMART grant to scale-up the manufacture, supply and distribution of Morro™ Coating to multiple tonnes per day.
The deal will give Huhtamaki exclusivity on use of the coating in food service containers made from fluted corrugate board. 2M Group of Companies is looking to agree further partnerships for other applications of Xampla technology.
About Morro™:
- Morro™ is Xampla’s first consumer brand created to commercialise their range of breakthrough plastic free products
- Morro™ next-generation materials are natural and fully biodegradable in the natural environment. Made from plants the material can break down safely, quickly and fully without leaving behind any harmful pollutants.
- Morro™ materials can be used to eliminate the most polluting plastics and as a natural material, can also do things that plastic never could.
- Xampla is proud to be a Certified B Corp
- Backed by 15 years of research at the University of Cambridge, these groundbreaking materials make it simple for consumers and brand to make the right choice for the planet.
- For more information: https://morro.earth/
About 2M Group of Companies:
- The 2M Group of Companies supply added value chemistry-based products and applications know-how to the life science and material science sectors. 2M works in partnership with the world’s leading chemical and natural ingredients companies.
- Headquartered in the UK, and with sites and a presence in Benelux, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, South Africa, USA and the Nordic region, the 2M Group of Companies exports to over 90 countries.
- The 2M Group of Companies includes 2M Manufacturing, 2M Services (MP Storage and Blending, SampleRite UK, SampleRite China), the Banner Chemicals Group (2M Water Treatment, 2M CASEPL, Stowlin), CE-O2 Trockeneis and the Surfachem Group (2M Laurichem USA, Bregaglio Italy, Chemir Spain, Ingretech France, Surfachem Germany, Surfachem Nordics, Surfachem Poland, Surfachem UK).
- 2M Group of Companies offer a wide range of leading brands for a wide range of business sectors including CleanAirBlue™, Pigmentan™, Surfac®, Perklone™EXT, Perklone™D, Perklone™ MD, Triklone™ LE and Triklone™ U.
About Huhtamaki
Huhtamaki is a leading global provider of sustainable packaging solutions for consumers around the world. Our innovative products protect on-the-go and on-the-shelf food and beverages, and personal care products, ensuring hygiene and safety, driving accessibility and affordability, and helping prevent food waste. We embed sustainability in everything we do. We are committed to achieving carbon neutral production and designing all our products to be recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2030. Our blueloopTM sustainable packaging solutions are world-leading and designed for circularity.
We are a participant in the UN Global Compact, Huhtamaki is rated ‘A’ on the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment and EcoVadis has awarded Huhtamaki with the Gold medal for performance in sustainability. To play our part in managing climate change, we have set science-based targets that have been approved and validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative.
With 100 years of history and a strong Nordic heritage we operate in 37 countries and 107 operating locations around the world. Our values Care Dare Deliver guide our decisions and help our team of around 18,000 employees make a difference where it matters. Our 2023 net sales totalled EUR 4.2 billion. Huhtamaki Group is headquartered in Espoo, Finland and our parent company, Huhtamäki Oyj, is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. Find out more about how we are protecting food, people and the planet at huhtamaki.com.
