Upfield launches the world's first plastic-free and recyclable tray for its plant-based butters and spreads

Upfield today announced the launch of the world's first plastic-free and recyclable tub for its plant-based butters and spreads.

Synergies and Innovation

After four years of innovation in collaboration with Footprint, MCC and Pagès Group, this launch marks the beginning of Upfield's move towards a paper solution within its portfolio, in line with the company's goal of reducing content of plastic by 80% by 2030.

Initially launched in Austria with Flora Plant towards the end of 2023, Upfield plans to further adapt to the paper solution, with the aim of replacing up to two billion plastic trays by 2030, equivalent to over 25.000 tonnes of plastic waste per year. 'year.

Recyclable paper trays

These cutting-edge paper trays were developed with Upfield's research and development team, using Footprint's materials science technology. The trays are made from compressed wet paper fibres, are waterproof, oil resistant and recyclable in local paper waste streams. The tray has received the Conventional Plastic Free certification and uses paper from a PEFC certified supplier. Upfield expects packaging to achieve home compostability certification by 2025.

David Haines, Group CEO for Upfield, he has declared; “As a global leader in plant-based foods, we take seriously our responsibility to make a positive impact on the planet. Globally, 40% of all plastic produced goes into packaging. This packaging is used only once and then thrown away, and it is clear that the problem of plastic waste is one of the most crucial for the environment. When we founded Upfield, our ambition was to innovate so we could move away from plastic trays and I am very proud of all Upfield employees who continue to work towards this goal.

Today's consumers demand products that are beneficial to both people and the planet. Our vegetable butters and spreads do exactly that. We are excited about the opportunity to launch this product across our most iconic brands in some of our key markets.”

Sustainable innovation

Unlike many paper packaging solutions, Upfield's paper trays do not contain a plastic liner. Therefore they can be recycled together with other household paper and cardboard waste, as verified by a leading European recycling company.

Karina Cerdeira, Packaging Director for Upfield, said: “We are proud to have created together with Footprint an innovative tray made of durable, oil-resistant and eye-catching paper, which many thought was impossible to create. But after years of work by the research and development teams at Upfield and Footprint and dozens of prototypes, we have made the impossible possible. This new paper tray marks a turning point for sustainable packaging and significantly reduces reliance on plastic. We will continue to push the boundaries through further innovations to achieve compostability, develop new sizes and formats and refine the optimal solution. We hope that our results inspire other companies to continue pursuing positive change."

Yoke Chung, Co-founder and Head of Technology and Innovation for Footprint, added: “Footprint's commitment to a more sustainable planet is demonstrated by our collaboration with Upfield. The introduction of a revolutionary solution, in collaboration with Upfield, defia pioneering standard for the sector is born. This marks the introduction of the first oil-resistant paper tray for plant-based spreads. We are proud to partner with Upfield in this transformative effort, which addresses our shared goal of assisting customers in realizing their sustainability goals. This collaborative effort highlights the transformative influence of innovation in driving positive environmental change to shape a brighter future for all.”

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