Packaging

eating a burger stock

Image: Szabo Viktor on Unsplash

New Research Offers Roadmap to Lower Emissions and Costs in Vegan Burger Supply Chains

A recent study published in Sustainability (MDPI) assessed the environmental and economic impacts of legume-based vegan burgers. By combining life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC), researchers examined various production scenarios, with a focus on ingredient sourcing and packaging materials to enhance both ecological and economic efficiency. Lowering impact with local ingredients The study analyzed a base case scenario involving the use of imported ingredients and conventional packaging materials. The carbon footprint for two vegan patties in this scenario was found to be 1.30 kg CO2 equivalent, with a total life cycle cost of EUR 2.43. Notably, transportation emissions from sourcing ingredients like pea protein, pea flour, and lentil flour played a significant role in the product’s environmental burden, compounded by the use …

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Melhoramentos compostable packaging

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Melhoramentos Expands Stake in W-Cycle’s Compostable Packaging That Survives -40°C to 220°C

Brazilian forestry and publishing company Melhoramentos has increased its investment in Israeli clean-tech firm W-Cycle, extending a partnership focused on the production of compostable, plastic-free food containers. The move follows an initial strategic investment of $3.4 million in November 2024, which granted Melhoramentos exclusive distribution rights for W-Cycle’s molded fiber packaging products across Latin America. The ongoing collaboration involves the integration of cellulose fibers from Melhoramentos’ 80 million square meters of sustainably managed forests into W-Cycle’s food-grade packaging formulations. This shift repurposes a portion of Melhoramentos’ pulp output—traditionally used in paper and cardboard—toward the production of molded fiber containers designed for food contact. W-Cycle has developed SupraPulp™, a proprietary cellulose-based material that enables the manufacturing of compostable trays and containers. These products are engineered to …

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W-Cycle

© W-Cycle

W-Cycle and Melhoramentos Develop Freezer-to-Oven Compostable Packaging that Breaks Down in 100 Days

W-Cycle Ltd., an Israeli clean-tech company specializing in sustainable packaging, has entered into a strategic partnership with Brazil’s Melhoramentos to produce compostable food containers using high-performance cellulose fibers and agricultural waste materials. Under the terms of the agreement, valued at a minimum of USD 3.45 million over an initial three-year period, W-Cycle will provide Melhoramentos with its proprietary food-grade packaging formula and consulting services. These resources will enable Melhoramentos to produce high-performance biodegradable packaging using renewable materials. The company will also integrate its own cellulose fibers, sourced from its extensive forestry operations covering more than 80 million square meters. The new packaging will be designed to offer key features like grease resistance, moisture-proofing, and the ability to withstand extreme temperatures. This makes it a viable …

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Thermoformed trays

Thermoformed trays -Image courtesy of B'ZEOS

B’ZEOS to Scale Industry-Ready Seaweed Packaging with New Round and Strategic Partnerships

Seaweed-based packaging startup B’ZEOS has secured a seed round led by Faber and ICIG Ventures, the investment arm of the industrial holding ICIG, bringing its total raised equity and grant funding to over €5 million. The round contributes to previous funding from Biotope by VIB, Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA), and several private and public grants from various entities, including the Research Council of Norway, Global Seaweed Coalition, Innovation Norway, and the Eureka Network’s Eurostars programme. With headquarters in Switzerland and R&D offices in Barcelona, Spain, B’ZEOS will use the new capital to scale its fully compostable materials to meet the rapidly growing demand for sustainable alternatives to plastic. Rita Sousa, Partner at Faber, shared, “As global demand for sustainable packaging solutions accelerates, we’re excited to …

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Umaro Foods Sway bioplastic

© Umaro Foods

Umaro and Sway Receive $1.5M Dept. of Energy Grant to Turn Seaweed Waste into Sustainable Bioplastics

Bay Area companies Umaro Foods and Sway have been awarded a $1.5 million grant by the US Department of Energy (DOE) to advance innovations in seaweed-based materials. The funding, part of the DOE’s Mixed Algae Conversion Research Opportunity (MACRO) program, will support efforts to convert alginate, a byproduct of seaweed protein production, into sustainable bioplastics. The partnership leverages the strengths of both startups. Umaro specializes in extracting protein from seaweed for use in plant-based foods, such as its red seaweed-derived bacon, for which it raised $3.8M earlier this year. This process produces alginate-rich sidestreams that will be repurposed by Sway, which develops compostable bioplastics using its TPSea™ resin technology. The collaboration seeks to address two key sustainability challenges: reducing the reliance on fossil fuels, and …

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Seaweed-based packaging startup Notpla announces it has completed a Series A+ round, securing £20 million (over $25 million) in equity fundraising, exceeding the company's initial target.

© Notpla

Seaweed Packaging Pioneer Notpla Secures £20 Million to Replace Single-Use Plastics in USA

Seaweed-based packaging startup Notpla announces it has completed a Series A+ round, securing £20 million (over $25 million) in equity fundraising, exceeding the company’s initial target. The new funds will be used to scale up manufacturing capabilities, broaden its plastic-free product range, and firmly establish a foothold in North American markets by driving a US expansion. The UB Forest Industry Green Growth Fund (UB FIGG) led the funding round. Key investors included Catalytic Capital for Climate & Health (C3H), Horizons Ventures and Astanor Ventures. New participants, including the Schmidt Family Foundation, Radicle Impact, EIT Food’s AgriFoodInvest, Broadwater Cap, Kibo Invest, Rosebrook, Trousdale Ventures, and Ocean Born Foundation, also backed Notpla’s expansion. David Walker, UB FIGG’s senior partner, said, “Notpla’s innovative approach to sustainable packaging, particularly …

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2M Group of Companies

© 2M Group of Companies

2M Group Launches New Sustainable Packaging Unit Offering ‘Plug-and-Play’ Plastic Alternatives for Brands

The UK-based 2M Group of Companies announces the launch of Sustainable Packaging Technologies, a new business focusing on the development and commercialization of bio-based materials to eliminate unnecessary petroleum-based plastics from the supply chain. Leveraging its growing portfolio of biomaterial technologies and solutions, the new business aims to help brands meet the ever-increasing consumer demand for sustainability by offering’ plug-and-play’ plastic replacements across a wide range of consumer products. Industry expert James Nelson will lead the business from its headquarters in Milton Keynes, with support from Banner Chemicals, 2M Group’s leading materials sciences company. Nelson comments, “Our bio-based solutions will offer brands effective alternatives to plastic, delivering environmental responsibility without compromising on performance. We aim to act as a trusted partner between R&D material science …

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Xampla's plastic-free Morro coating supplied to Huhtamaki

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2M Group to Supply Xampla’s Plant Protein-Based Morro Coating to Global Packaging Provider Huhtamaki

2M Group of Companies has announced a multi-year deal to supply Xampla’s plastic-free Morro Coating polymer to global packaging producer Huhtamaki. The biodegradable coating, which is made from plant protein, will replace plastic barrier coatings at scale in takeaway boxes for a range of food service and on-the-go applications. The natural material is food contact safe and said to have excellent grease, water, and oxygen barrier performance. It is also free of polyfluorinated substances (“forever chemicals”) and exempt from the EU’s Single Use Plastic Directive. Xampla and 2M first announced their partnership in November 2023, revealing that 2M would manufacture multiple tonnes of Morro materials at its site in Milton Keynes, UK. The new deal with Huhtamaki is part of the latter company’s goal to …

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Kelli raised funds to bring to the market its seaweed coating that can replace plastic

© Kelpi

Kelpi Secures £4.3M in Oversubscribed Round to Replace Plastic with Seaweed Coating in Food & Cosmetics Packaging

Bristol-based sustainable packaging innovator Kelpi has secured £4.3 million in investment to scale and commercialize its seaweed-based packaging, which can replace single-use fossil fuel plastics in packaging for food, drinks, and personal care products. The round was led by Blackfinch Ventures, with participation from Green Angel Ventures, Kadmos Partners, QantX, Evenlode Foundation, and the South West Investment Fund. Follow-on investors, including Bristol Private Equity Club (BPEC), One Planet Capital, and private angel investors, backed the material innovator in this round. The company initially sought £3 million and surpassed that target by raising £4.3 million, marking a significant milestone for Kelpi. The funds will be used to advance manufacturing and gain regulatory approval for the bio-based coatings. Additionally, the company will continue its commercial rollout, having …

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© Impossible Foods

The Psychology of Colour in Traditional and Plant-Based Meat Packaging

You may not realise it, but when you’re browsing food products, the colour of a product’s packaging can subtly influence whether you purchase it. In its latest New Food Hub guide, ProVeg International explores how colour is used in marketing traditional meat products and contrasts these strategies with those of plant-based alternatives. The guide also analyses the impact of colour choices on consumers and presents successful examples from both categories. Which colours are used in traditional meat packaging? Traditional meat packaging uses the following colours to convey different qualities – from juiciness to trustworthiness and everything in between. Red: Conventional meat products often feature red in their packaging and branding. This colour is associated with the natural appearance of meat, signalling freshness and appetising qualities. …

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Saveggy raises funds to replace plastic around fruits and vegetables with its plant-based formula.

© Saveggy

Saveggy Raises €1.76M for Edible Fruit & Veg Coating as Solution to Plastic Packaging

Swedish startup Saveggy has raised €1.76 million (SEK 20M) for its plant-based alternative to plastic packaging designed to preserve the shelf life of vegetables and fruits and prevent food waste.  The startup’s plant-based coating is said to be the only alternative available offering the same shelf life extension as plastic packaging. Additionally, it is the only edible coating for fruits and vegetables with edible skin, such as cucumbers, apples, and eggplants, approved according to EU regulations. Starting with a solution for cucumbers, Saveggy will use the newly raised funds to produce this innovative material at an industrial scale and successfully bring it to market The round was led by impact investor Unconventional Ventures. LRF Ventures, Almi Invest GreenTech, and industry angels also backed the startup’s plastic-free …

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Dutch brands make half of recipes on packaging meat-free

© Jumbo

Seven Dutch Brands Agree to Make 50% of Recipes on Their Packaging Meat-Free

Following campaigning by animal rights group Wakker Dier, seven brands in the Netherlands — Conimex, Fairtrade Original, Jumbo, Knorr, Koh Tai, Patak’s, and Plus — have agreed to make 50% of the suggested recipes on their product packaging meat-free. Another two major brands — Grand’Italia and Lassie — already feature 50% vegetarian or vegan recipes, while Albert Heijn and Maggi have pledged to add plant-based tips to their packaging but not to remove meat from half of recipes. Just one of the brands approached, Honig, said it would not make any changes. After analysing 657 recipes on product packaging, Wakker Dier found that over 80% currently feature meat or fish. The group points out that the Health Council of the Netherlands recommends eating 60% plant-based …

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Impossible Foods new branding

© Impossible Foods

Impossible Foods Unveils Bold New Branding With Red Packaging to Target Meat Eaters

Impossible Foods has officially unveiled a bold new brand identity and packaging strategy at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California. The company’s strategic shift aims to leverage the “craveability of meat” to appeal to meat eaters at every touchpoint, including both on-shelf packaging and the company’s digital identity. Marking a notable departure from its previous teal and white branding, Impossible Foods has embraced a vibrant red aesthetic. This decision aligns with multiple insights suggesting that meat-eaters are more receptive to plant-based products when presented in red, as red is associated with flavor and taste. A recent study conducted by ProVeg International found that the color of packaging plays an instrumental role in shaping consumer preferences and behaviors, with red packaging being particularly effective …

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daring Teriyaki pack shot

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Meat-Eaters in the UK and USA More Likely to Try Plant-Based Meat in Red Packaging

A new study has concluded that meat-eaters are more willing to experiment with plant-based products that come in red packaging. The report, conducted by ProVeg International and titled, “The Power of Colour: Nudging Consumers Toward Plant-Based Meat Consumption,” provides insights into the influence of colours on consumer perceptions around flavour and appeal. ProVeg states that the careful choice of colouring has the “power to reshape consumer behaviour and prompt a shift toward plant-based meat”. The survey included 1,200 participants, predominantly omnivores, from the US and the UK. Participants were questioned on their feelings and opinions when exposed to vegetarian and vegan products packaged in a variety of warm and cool tones (green, blue, purple, yellow, orange, or red). The findings reveal that red was the …

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Douglas has committed to make 80% of its corporate brands vegan by 2030 to align with the growing demand for cruelty-free beauty options.

© Douglas

Douglas Commits to Ensuring 80% of Private Brands Are Vegan & 100% Packaging Recyclable by 2030

The European omnichannel, premium beauty retailer Douglas has committed to ensuring 80% of its corporate brands are vegan by 2030 to align with the growing demand for cruelty-free beauty options. In addition, Douglas aims to make 100% of the packaging recyclable, recycled, or reusable by 2030. The company will prioritize using paper-based product packaging that complies with third-party certifications. And by 2025, it aims to make 100% of the relevant packaging for new launches meet the respective external standards. According to the company’s latest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) report, it has already made significant progress towards these vegan goals. During the financial year 2022-23, 94% of its brand product launches were vegan, while 30% of the new products contained at least 90% of ingredients derived …

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UK’s natural materials company Xampla has secured $7 million in a funding round, to expand the production of its biodegradable, plant-based materials.

© Xampla

Morro by Xampla Set to Support Brands Away from Single-Use Plastics with $7 Million Investment

British natural materials company Xampla has secured $7 million in a funding round to expand the production of its biodegradable, plant-based materials at lower costs to support brands in moving away from single-use plastic. The funds will also expand the applications of Xampla’s new consumer brand, Morro, into new markets. This capital injection brings Xampla’s total investment to $17.6 million. Amadeus Capital Partners, Horizon Ventures, Cambridge Angels, Cambridge Enterprise, and Martlet Capital reaffirmed their support. Meanwhile, new investor CIECH Ventures, a clean tech backer and part of an international chemical group, also contributed to the round. Alexandra French, Xampla’s recently appointed CEO, commented, “This new funding will support the expansion of our Morro material into new territories and new applications and enable us to make …

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Image courtesy of ProVeg International

Unveiling the Impact of Packaging Colour on Plant-Based Meat Consumption

While plant-based meats present various advantages, such as health and sustainability benefits, not all consumers readily choose them over their animal-based counterparts. The reasons for this hesitancy lie in persistent barriers to consumption. Food choices are influenced by common factors like taste, price, and health. However, the visual appeal of packaging also plays a crucial role, shaping consumer perceptions of these barriers. Remarkably, simply using appealing colours in product packaging has the power to reshape consumer behaviour and prompt a shift toward plant-based meat. When used in packaging, colour can attract attention, create positive associations, and enhance brand recognition.[1] Thus, it is crucial to understand how colour influences consumers’ purchase decisions in the context of plant-based meat products, particularly given the lack of research on …

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Daphna Nissenbaum headshot

Daphna Nissenbaum © TIPA

Op Ed: Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO of TIPA, on Sustainable Packaging During Veganuary

Daphna Nissenbaum is the CEO of global compostable packaging developer and manufacturer TIPA. She established TIPA in 2010 when she recognised that there was an urgent need to revolutionise packaging systems and reduce plastic pollution around the world. A proud female entrepreneur, Daphne’s leadership has resulted in the female-led business raising an impressive $70 million in its latest funding round. Many vegan brands frequently depend on plastic packaging to maintain the freshness of plant-based offerings. Nevertheless, Daphna emphasises the importance of embracing eco-friendly packaging solutions as a critical step in adopting a comprehensive approach to Veganuary. In this opinion piece, Daphne speaks to the need for consumers to demand that brands use environmentally friendly packaging to ensure veganism does not contribute to the plastic problem. …

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A man dissolving a powder in a glass of water

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Generation Food Rural Partners Acquires Edible Packaging Company DisSolves, Inc

Big Idea Ventures announces the acquisition of Pittsburgh-based edible packaging company DisSolves as a part of its Generation Food Rural Partners Fund portfolio (GFRP). DisSolves, Inc. uses patented technology to create biodegradable and edible components made from natural, vegan ingredients that are Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) and are used to produce films and packaging materials for various applications, including encapsulants, nutraceuticals, and pods. The company’s proprietary films allow for the packaging of premeasured, individual servings of powdered products in user-friendly pods, enabling food and beverage companies to create more convenient and sustainable products. The GFRP Fund, a part of Big Idea Ventures, focuses on investing in the best food technology and agrotech companies globally. It targets intellectual property with potential for broad commercialization, particularly …

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Image courtesy of ProVeg International

Does The Colour Of Packaging Influence Consumer Willingness to Purchase Plant-based Meat Products?

When you’re out buying food, what draws you to a product? Is it the image on the packet? The appearance of the food, if you can see it? Or the colour of the packaging? New research conducted by ProVeg International takes a deep dive into packaging, exploring the psychology of colour for plant-based meat products. The exciting report will reveal the influence of packaging colour on consumer perceptions, and their willingness to engage with meat alternatives. To find out more ahead of publication, ProVeg’s New Food Hub interviewed research lead, Ajsa Spahic, Project Coordinator at ProVeg International. Read on for a sneak preview of a 14-minute interview and uncover the importance of colour nudging for your business. What inspired ProVeg’s focus on packaging and marketing …

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