DS Smith and Coca-Cola replace plastic handles with “LIFT UP” cardboard based packaging innovation

Smurfit Kappa has developed a new, entirely sustainable packaging solution for fast food following close collaboration with independent Packaging Consultant Juozas Baranauskas. The Twin Kraft Grease Guard MB12 packaging solution, created for Lithuanian fast-food restaurant Fresh Post, is part of Smurfit Kappa’s rapidly growing Better Planet Packaging portfolio of products, which offer sustainable alternatives to existing single-use plastic solutions. The new Fresh Post food box is made from Smurfit Kappa’s Twin Kraft Solid Board, which is a paper-based mono-material specifically designed for food packaging. By integrating the company’s MB12 technology, the recyclable material can adsorb mineral oils, keeping food safe whilst simultaneously protecting aroma and taste.

Smurfit Kappa has approved transformational investment plans for its Mold plant in North Wales, that will further expand capacity at the facility, make it the largest box factory in the UK and allow the company to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging. The investment in state-of-the-art equipment will reduce CO2 per tonne emissions by 15% at the plant. Commenting on the announcement, Smurfit Kappa UK and Ireland CEO, Eddie Fellows, said, “This investment in North Wales will increase our capability, flexibility and speed of response to deliver unrivalled, innovative packaging solutions to customers across the UK and Ireland. We are determined to meet the future needs of our customers in a sustainable way. It is vital that our investment has benefits for the local community and the environment.”

The PM6 machine, which has a production capacity of 100,000 tons of recycled containerboard per year, will facilitate greater integration within the Group’s converting plants and significantly increase the energy efficiency of the Los Reyes plant. The investment will enable Smurfit Kappa Mexico to produce high performance containerboard, contributing to the company's competitiveness in an ever-growing packaging market. The type of material produced by PM6 further strengthens Smurfit Kappa’s offering for the agricultural and electrical appliance sectors, where protecting products in the supply chain is key. Click Read More below for additional information.