Upfield, the owner of the Flora brand, has announced plans to roll out what it claims is the world’s first plastic-free, recyclable tub for its butters and spreads.
Following four years of development in collaboration with Footprint, MCC and Pagès Group, the innovation marks the beginning of the company’s transition to a paper solution across its portfolio, with the target of reducing plastic content by 80% by 2030.
Initially launched in Austria with Flora Plant towards the end of 2023, Upfield expects further scaling of its paper solution to additional European markets, aiming to replace up to two billion plastic tubs by 2030.
The paper tubs were developed by Upfield’s research & development team utilising Footprint’s material sciences technology. They are made from compressed wet paper fibres and are waterproof, oil-proof, and recyclable in local paper waste streams. The tub has received Conventional Plastic Free Certification and uses paper from a PEFC-certified supplier. Upfield expects the packaging to achieve home compostability certification by 2025.
David Haines, Group CEO for Upfield, commented: “As a global leader in plant-based foods, we take our responsibility to make a positive impact on the world seriously. Globally, 40% of all plastic produced is for packaging that is used once and then discarded, it is clear that the issue of plastic waste is one of the most critical facing our environment.
“When we established Upfield, innovating our way out of plastic tubs was our moon-shot and I am very proud of all Upfielders that continue to work towards this goal. Consumers today demand products that benefit both people and the planet. Our plant butters and spreads do exactly that. We’re excited about the potential to launch this across our most iconic brands in some of our most important markets.”
Unlike other paper packaging solutions, Upfield’s paper tubs do not have a plastic liner so they can be recycled along with other paper and cardboard household waste.
Karina Cerdeira, Head of Packaging for Upfield, said: “We are proud to have created, with Footprint, an innovative paper-based tub that is durable, oil-resistant and appealing and which many thought would be impossible with paper. But after years of dedicated focus from joint Upfield and Footprint R&D teams and dozens of prototypes, we made the impossible, possible.
“This new paper tub marks a true milestone for sustainable packaging that significantly minimises reliance on plastic. We will continue pushing boundaries through further innovation to adapt for compostability, develop new sizes and formats, and refine towards the optimal solution. We hope what we’ve achieved inspires other businesses to keep pursuing positive change.”
