Bunzl UK & Ireland introduces Huhtamaki’s plant-based taste boxes

UK – Bunzl UK & Ireland has partnered with Huhtamaki to distribute the innovative ‘Taste’ hot food boxes, featuring a plant-based Morro Coating from Xampla. 

These eco-friendly boxes, crafted in the UK from responsibly sourced paper, are now available across Bunzl’s extensive network, serving national restaurant chains, transport hubs, hotels, caterers, and stadiums.

According to Xampla, the Morro Coating, derived from natural plant proteins without chemical modification, meets the European Single Use Plastic Directive’s plastic-free standards. 

The coating ensures excellent resistance to grease and leaks while maintaining recyclability, making it a practical choice for foodservice operators. 

Available in various sizes, the Taste boxes are embossed with a Morro logo, highlighting their sustainable credentials.

In a statement, Xampla CEO Alexandra French expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “The launch of Huhtamaki’s Taste boxes with Morro Coating marks a milestone for us.” 

“Our collaboration with Bunzl introduces this innovative, SUPD-exempt material to a wide range of foodservice operators in the UK and Ireland, offering their customers cutting-edge sustainable packaging.”

Bunzl’s exclusive distribution agreement, set to run until October 2025, underscores its commitment to providing high-performance, environmentally responsible solutions. 

Katie Shaw, Purchasing Director at Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Division, stated: “We’re dedicated to offering packaging that combines top-tier functionality with sustainability.”

“The Taste boxes, with their plant-based coating, are leak-proof and ideal for delivery, hot counters, and al-fresco dining.”

The initiative builds on the success of Xampla’s licensing agreement with 2M Group of Companies, which supplies the Morro Coating to manufacturers like Huhtamaki. 

The partnership follows rigorous evaluations of the coating’s performance and end-of-life disposal options, ensuring it meets both regulatory and consumer expectations.

Adding to the momentum, a recent development highlights the growing adoption of Morro-coated packaging. 

Just Eat Takeaway’s German arm, Lieferando, has expanded its sustainable packaging range by offering over 41,000 restaurant partners access to similar Morro-coated boxes, which are fully recyclable and suitable for greasy foods. 

This pilot, launched in April 2025, reinforces the coating’s versatility and scalability across the foodservice sector.

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