Xampla, the Cambridge-based material technology company, has announced a significant commercial breakthrough with the widespread availability of its Morro Coating, a plant-based, plastic-free barrier coating now offered across Bunzl UK & Ireland’s extensive distribution network.
This launch marks a major step forward in sustainable food packaging, as Huhtamaki’s ‘Taste’ hot food boxes, featuring Morro Coating, are now accessible to national restaurant chains, hotels, stadiums, transport hubs, and contract caterers across the UK and Ireland. The move is a result of Xampla’s exclusive partnership with Bunzl, a leading supplier in the food service sector.
Plastic-Free and SUP Directive Compliant
Morro Coating is classified as plastic-free under the European Single-Use Plastics (SUP) Directive, positioning it as a compliant and forward-thinking solution for brands responding to increasing regulatory and environmental pressures. Made from natural plant proteins with no chemical modification, the coating provides high-performance grease and leak resistance while preserving the recyclability of the paperboard packaging.
Industry Endorsement and Performance Validation
The collaboration follows a detailed performance assessment of Morro Coating, including its recyclability and end-of-life outcomes. The ‘Taste’ boxes are manufactured in the UK using responsibly sourced papers and feature the embossed Morro marque, highlighting their plant-based coating credentials.
Scalable, Sustainable Packaging Innovation
Xampla’s innovative coating, developed using its natural plant protein technology, is a scalable drop-in solution that allows manufacturers to meet sustainability targets without compromising packaging performance.
Momentum Builds with Leading Partners
This distribution agreement builds on Xampla’s growing momentum in the sustainable packaging market. Earlier this year, Just Eat Takeaway.com introduced Morro-coated delivery boxes to over 40,000 restaurant partners in Germany. The initiative is underpinned by Xampla’s licensing agreement with 2M Group of Companies, which supplies manufacturers such as Huhtamaki, a key partner in bringing Morro Coating to market at scale.
Under the new arrangement, Bunzl UK & Ireland will act as the exclusive distributor of Huhtamaki’s ‘Taste’ boxes with Morro Coating across the UK and Ireland until October 2025, marking a pivotal chapter in Xampla’s mission to replace conventional plastic coatings with sustainable alternatives.
