2M Group to Supply Huhtamaki with Xampla’s Plastic-Free Coating for Takeaway Boxes

Huhtamaki and 2M Group companies announce first multi-year supply agreement to deploy Xampla’s plastic-free Morro™ coating polymer to replace traditional barrier coatings in a variety of takeaway boxes.

The deal between Huhtamaki and 2M Group companies will enable large-scale deployment of Morro™ coating in selected foodservice takeaway applications. This will enhance Huhtamaki’s wider use of alternative recyclable and compostable packaging solutions derived from renewable resources. Huhtamaki’s UK manufacturing facility provides innovative packaging solutions for quick service restaurants, specialty coffee and catering brands.

Andy Hesp, General Manager UK & Ireland at Huhtamaki, said:"At Huhtamaki, our ambition and values to lead the way in sustainable food packaging are clear. Packaging improves food safety and makes everyday essentials more hygienic, accessible and affordable. Using Xampla’s technology in some of our core foodservice solutions furthers our efforts to protect food, people and the planet."

Morro™ coating has been developed by Cambridge-based deep tech company Xampla. It is an alternative to renewable and fossil-derived plastic coatings. Morro™ coating is made from plant-based proteins. The material is safe for food contact and has excellent barrier properties to grease, water and oxygen as well as heat sealing capabilities.

Morro™ coating is classified as a natural polymer. It is completely free of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) and plastics known as ‘forever chemicals’. The material is not subject to the Single-Use Plastics Directive.

It is a completely natural material that can be used on a variety of substrates and can be customised for many food packaging applications.

“2M Group is committed to using science and manufacturing innovation to promote sustainable solutions. We are proud to be working with Huhtamaki and Xampla, one of the world’s leading packaging manufacturers, to provide alternatives to plastic packaging and help create a better future for our planet,” said Mottie Kessler OBE, Chairman and CEO of 2M Group.

Xampla announced a landmark partnership with 2M Group last year. This exciting milestone represents a significant step forward in the commercialisation of the Morro™ technology. 2M Group and Xampla have successfully been awarded an Innovate UK SMART grant. This will enable the scale-up of the production, supply and distribution of the Morro™ coating to multiple tonnes per day.

The deal will give Huhtamaki exclusive rights to use the coating in food service containers made from corrugated board. 2M Group is looking to enter into further collaborations on other applications of Xampla’s technology.

“This deal marks a milestone in the expansion of our Morro™ coatings in the packaging industry, demonstrating our support for the sector and our ambition to reduce plastic,” said Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla.

“The largest players in the food industry trust Huhtamaki as the first choice for sustainable packaging solutions, so their introduction of Xampla’s coatings can bring positive environmental change and benefit millions of consumers. Partnerships like this are what drive us forward. We share a commitment to implementing plant-based solutions at scale, bringing the greatest benefits to the natural environment”.