HKScan to use wood-based product packaging in Finland

HKScan plans to begin using renewable wood-based plastics on select grilling sausage packages sold in Finland in the summer of 2021 as a part of its commitment to sustainability.

Doughman Headshot3 Headshot
Rfischia | Dreamstime.com
Rfischia | Dreamstime.com

HKScan plans to begin using renewable wood-based plastics on select grilling sausage packages sold in Finland in the summer of 2021 as a part of its commitment to sustainability.

The main component in the wood-based plastic is coniferous cellulous, which comes from certified, sustainably managed coniferous forests. The material was developed by the Finnish company, Woodly Oy, and will be manufactured by sustainable packaging organization, Wipak.

“By using the carbon-neutral component in the packaging, we will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of the ready sausage packaging film by more than 50% in comparison to traditional plastic packaging,” Hanna Lehtonen, VP, packaging development at HKScan, said.

“Woodly is made of wood cellulose, so it is plant-based and therefore has a significantly lower carbon footprint. Packages containing Woodly material can be recycled as plastic.”

A commitment to recyclable packaging

The food company announced a commitment to have all packaging for its products to be recyclable by the end of 2025 in October 2020.

At the same time, they also announced plans to reduce the carbon footprint of packaging by 20% and decrease the amount of packaging plastic by 20%.

“It’s important for us to work long-term and create permanent, more climate-friendly operating models. Reducing the carbon footprint of our packaging is one part of our journey towards carbon neutrality,” Lehtonen explained.

“While it is vital for us to develop the environmental friendliness of our packaging, it is also important to remember that the primary purpose of packaging is, however, to protect and preserve foods and to reduce food waste. We look forward to sustainable packaging development in the near future and hope to see many new safe materials which are recyclable and reduce carbon footprint.”

Finding a way to reduce plastic packaging waste is a hot topic with consumers. In a 2019 survey from Innova Market Insights, about half of those surveyed indicated they would pay more for products from companies dedicated to reducing plastic waste.

Like what you just read? Sign up now for free to receive the Poultry Future Newsletter.

Page 1 of 178
Next Page