TruffleHunter develops new packaging in expansion
Premium snack manufacturer TruffleHunter has introduced new packaging materials to its line of truffle crisps, as part of its expansion of its Cotswold production facility.
The development sees a collection of new spaces including a larger production area and a new dedicated snack manufacturing line.
To coincide with the expansion, TruffleHunter’s Black Truffle Crisps and the newly developed White Truffle & Lobster Crisps are now available in fully recyclable tins and compostable bags.
Nigel Whitehouse, chief of TruffleHunter, said: “Part of our investment has gone into creating a production line for our new range of compostable truffle crisp bags. There are very few companies offering this kind of packaging, as crisp packets are notoriously difficult to recycle.
“As well as this, our tinned snacking range is now fully recyclable too. As consumers continue to become more environmentally aware, we are keen to play our part in ensuring that we become part of the solution, not the problem.”
In the last four years, TruffleHunter has reported 200% growth with a predicted turnover of more than £8m in 2021. The range of truffle snacks (including Truffle Crisps, Truffle Popcorn and Truffle Seaweed Tempura) has seen a huge spike in international markets such as America, Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong and China.
Bauck introduces paper-based packaging
Organic cereal manufacturer Bauck has upgraded its production with sustainable, paper-based packaging materials.
The manufacturer has shifted to sealable, paper-based, stand-up pouches produced by Sappi, in partnership with machine manufacturer Rovema.
The material, Sappi Guard Nature1-MS, features an integrated mineral oil barrier (MOSH/MOAH) and high heat-sealability.
“With Guard Nature 1-MS, the use of additional special coatings or laminations is entirely redundant,” explained Sibylle Hajostek, market manager Functional Papers at Sappi Europe.
“For Bauck, for whom resource-saving packaging is important, the barrier paper represents a highly sustainable alternative to multi-layer barrier films. Guard Nature 1-MS can be recycled in the paper waste stream. It’s a significant advantage.”
While product protection and safety were initially the primary focus when packaging sensitive foodstuffs, Bauck was faced with an increase in customer demand for sustainable packaging materials:
“It is important for us to develop and market more sustainable packaging solutions,” said Bauck head of marketing and communications Hannes Öhler. “Our customers are very vigilant on the issue of sustainability and have repeatedly made their preferences clear.”
“This propelled us to begin converting our processes in 2019 and we now use paper-based packaging for most of our products.”
Not all products can be converted however. Plastic cannot be entirely avoided with products such as oat pops which easily absorb moisture. However, it is also possible to switch to alternatives such as recyclable mono-PP.
Finsbury revamps Thorntons bites and bars range
Cakes and baked goods manufacturer Finsbury Food Group has announced a revamp to its Thorntons Bites products, following 20 years of working with the confectionery firm.
Launched last month, the new-look packaging that has been designed to increase product stand-out on shelf and designed to evoke the ‘luxury and quality of Thorntons chocolate’.
Finsbury s supporting the new look with the launch of seven new products into the range – Chocolate Orange Caramel Shortcake, Toffee Apple Caramel Shortcake, Hot Cross Bun Caramel Shortcake, Peppermint Crème Brownie and Strawberry Dream Brownie.
Jordan McCann, brand manager at Finsbury Food Group, said: “Thorntons cake bites have the highest impulse purchase rate throughout the category, and we know its look and flavour appeal is key to ensuring those impulse purchases remain high.
“The range has enjoyed great success over the last 20 years, but we are constantly looking for ways to bring in new shoppers. The key to our ongoing success is to never take our eye off the ball when ensuring the range fits changing consumer trends.”
Water firm debuts ‘first of its kind’ bottle cap
Mineral water firm Aqua Pura has launched a 100% recyclable bottle with a redesigned lid that is the ‘first of its kind in the UK’.
Made from 100% recycled materials, the newly designed bottles feature and integrated cap to prevent it from being discarded separately from the rest of the packaging.
The new Aqua Pura Still 12 x 500ml bottles with integrated cap will be available from Tesco and Sainsbury’s, with the launch supported by a multi-channel marketing strategy.
Carys Delve, brand manager at Aqua Pura, commented: “We’re fully committed to playing our part in creating eco-friendly solutions while maintaining a high-quality product manufactured here on British soil.
“The launch of our new 100 per cent recyclable bottles and UK industry-first caps on a brand helps meet retailer requirements and provides consumers with a better solution for the planet.”
Packaging supplier highlights transparency with website launch
Packaging supplier Westpak Group has launched a new website as part of its push to enhance transparency around issues of sustainability and environmental awareness.
The new website features an expansive sustainability glossary, sustainability ‘frequently asked questions’ as well as a series of blogs and opinion pieces from the company in a bid to demystify some of the industry’s latest and most pressing environmental issues.
The website also aims to highlight the key benefits and limitations of commonly used materials through the food packaging industry.
In addition, full, detailed sustainability credentials are specified for each product providing a quick reference point in guiding product selections based around complex environmental considerations.
Seth Hicks, managing director at Westpak Group, said: “When dealing with Westpak, our customers have access to over 20 years of food packaging experience coupled with expertise in packaging sustainability and a bold innovative approach to delivering genuine food packaging solutions.
“The new website acts as a central point to keep up-to-date with packaging sustainability news, find new innovations, and access unbiased advice. We want customers to be able to make properly informed decisions when looking to improve the sustainability of their packaging.”
