Push for fresh food packaging ban

In our latest Wrap-Up … We launch our paper-based brand. WRAP pushes for unpackaged produce. Porridge pots that separate themselves. Paper fudge wrappers trialled. Brands fall short of 2025 packaging targets. Tesco to give away expired food. And more …

FOR STARTERS …

Push for fresh food packaging ban

WRAP has launched a consultation on whether packaging should be banned for 21 types of fresh produce, including apples, avocados, carrots, onions, and salad tomatoes.

It’s proposed that the 21 items should be sold loose, without plastic wrap or trays, to reduce household food waste. Campaigners argue that selling these items loose allows shopper to only buy what they need, rather than what is packaged together for them.

According to WRAP, the UK discards more than 2.5 million tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables each year, and 1.7 million tonnes of that (valued at £4 billion) could have been eaten. WRAP's latest Love Food Hate Waste survey reveals that self-reported food waste has increased to 21% for everyday items, including bread, milk, potatoes, and chicken.

MEANWHILE …

KM Packaging’s paper-based product in the packaging press

As you may know we have launched our K-Nature Paper HBe to a great reception. The news has been picked up by Packaging Scotland, Innovation in Food Technology, Perishable News, Food & Beverage Business, Pet Food Processing, SP News, Pet Food Nation, Ambi Pak, EnvaPak, World Bakers, Paper, Film & Foil Converter, Canadian Packaging, and Packaging Strategies to name a few. We’re pleased with the positive reception in the packaging press and from customers.

Unsustainable reporting from top brands

A new Packaging Europe review reveals that leading brands are inconsistent in their reporting of progress toward achieving their 2025 sustainability goals for packaging. Some have recorded measurable reductions, but others offer little transparency. Only 15% of the top companies were found to provide complete data across all sustainability categories.

Packaging boosts value

A Packaging Gateway feature highlights how companies utilise packaging to convey their brand identity and values. The trend combines visual design with sustainability, responding to research that shows over 70% of consumers believe that packaging affects their perception of a brand.

SHOP TALK …

Pots split in an instant

Tesco, Asda, and Lidl have rolled out new packaging for their own-brand instant porridge. The cardboard and plastic layers of the pots, which have a potential 98% recyclability rate, automatically separate during the recycling process.

Moving to a recyclable paper-based packaging is a sustainability win, which is why we’ve launched our own K-Nature Paper HBe.

Waste not, want not, supermarket freebies

Tesco is to trial giving away expired food to customers at the end of the day as it tries to cut food waste. In the coming months, the supermarket will give away discounted "yellow sticker" items after 9:30pm in select smaller Express stores.

The company said the expiring food would be offered to charities and shop staff before being available to customers.

Papering over the fudge

A paper wrapper is being trialled by Marks & Spencer for its Vanilla Fudge Bar. The sweet change is expected to remove 1.4 million plastic units per year.

SUSTAINABLE TOPICS

Allies target recycling challenge

More than 25 organisations have joined the new Recyclable Food and Drink Packaging Alliance, launched by Green Rock, to address challenges in the recyclability of packaging. The alliance aims to promote the use of standardised materials and design principles.

Members include packaging producers, brands, and retailers.

Baby market shows growth

Demand for lightweight, safe, and sustainable materials is fuelling strong growth in the baby food packaging market. Formats made from recyclable and biodegradable materials are driving the trend, with global growth projected at 6.2% CAGR over the next seven years.

Recycling a breath of fresh air

Chemists at Northwestern University have created a method to break down PET plastic using an inexpensive catalyst and ambient air. This process relies on moisture in the air to transform the plastic into recyclable monomers.

IN TRAYS …

Revving up efficiency

Packaging Automation's Rev5 can enhance the efficiency of packaging lines by increasing throughput by 30%. The machine's capabilities are featured in a new video from the company.

Experience driving innovation

Proseal UK draws on over 20 years of experience to refine its flexible packaging machinery for the fresh produce sector. Its latest developments are shaped by evolving requirements from growers, packers, and retailers.

Partners sustain plastic

Xact Prepack and Termoformas have partnered to supply the UK food industry with plastic punnets and trays made from at least 80% recycled content.

WRAPPING IT UP …

Flexible achievements: More than 200 entries were judged in the 2025 Flexible Packaging Achievement Awards, highlighting recyclable structures and innovations in sustainability and printing.
Green is gold: The eco-friendly food packaging market is forecast to reach $305 billion globally by 2030.
Fossil-free alternative: Billerud has introduced a recyclable, heat-sealable paper designed as a fossil-free, low-carbon alternative to plastic packaging, compatible with existing machinery.
Sweet wrap swap: UPM and Orkla Suomi are trialling paper wrappers for Panda Milk chocolate to cut emissions by up to 30%.
Zip-up compostables: Tipa and Presto have launched compostable zippers for food packaging that break down in 180 days.

KM NEWS …

New paper packaging raises the barrier

The next evolution in barrier paper packaging is here. KM Packaging is pleased to announce our new paper-based material, K-Nature Paper HBe, which retains the functionality of plastic.

Closer collaboration across the pond

We have further committed to the North American market by developing closer collaboration with industry veteran Tom Ream of DRB Sales.

Partnering in one-stop shop

The company has established a preferred partnership with TalThi, a Canadian manufacturer of trays, pans, and machinery, to provide a one-stop shop for Canada's food packaging market.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY …