In August, Sleaford will trial a new two-ply paper bag with such a small percentage of polyethylene (PE) coating that is classed as fully recyclable. The producer will use the packaging in two product lines, with plans to roll it out across its entire range.
The firm is also looking to develop a series of recyclable laminates and pouches made from a mono-layer plastic, which will allow them to be processed through a recycling loop.
Easier to recycle
The packaging of Sleaford’s Chef William range of soups, herbs and spices, canned fruit and vegetables is also set to change, with the lids being changed from black to make it easier for recycling sorting stations to detect them.
James Arnold (pictured), managing director at Sleaford, said: “We are constantly challenging our supplier and clients to step up their efforts to reduce plastic usage, and have recently held discussions with a company that is developing a fully compostable bioplastic – one of the most environmentally-friendly packaging materials available on today’s market.”
“We're finding that most of the companies we deal with now are very open to greener packaging solutions. This is something we will continue to push on with as we expand and take on new suppliers and clients.”
Greener packaging
One of Sleaford’s clients, Carmarthenshire-based Castell Howell, said greener packaging had become extremely important to its customers.
Head of procurement Chris Dennis said: “Our customers rightly expect the food sector to take a lead in this area. It’s great to see Chef William playing their part and we will welcome anything that helps make our products greener.”
Meanwhile, earlier this month, meat processor Tulip became the latest food business to sign up to the UK Plastics Pact, as part of its new corporate social responsibility policy.