Upfield is revolutionising packaging by going plastic-free

Upfield’s plans to replace up to two billion plastic tubs by 2030

The global production of plastic waste has doubled in the past two decades, with the majority of it being disposed of in landfills, incinerated, or released into the environment. Location dependent, roughly 9% of this waste is effectively recycled, according to a 2022 OECD report. 

This amount of plastic pollution disrupts habitats and natural processes, altering ecosystems and diminishing their capacity to respond to climate change, directly impacting millions of people's livelihoods, food production capabilities, and social well-being.

Based in Amsterdam, Upfield has partnered with Footprint, MCC, and Pagès Group to address plastic pollution through the introduction of an innovative, oil-proof, plastic-free, and recyclable paper solution. Successfully launched in Austria with the Flora Plant brand in late 2023, this sustainable packaging is set to expand into more European markets, contributing to a more sustainable future for the food industry.

The new packaging signifies the beginning of Upfield's transition to a paper-based solution across its portfolio, reflecting the company's proactive commitment. With plans to replace over 25,000 tons of plastic waste annually, Upfield aims to eliminate two billion plastic tubs by 2030, a crucial move towards achieving an 80% reduction in plastic usage.

Where design meets positive impact

Developed by Upfield's Research & Development team using Footprint's material sciences technology, the paper tubs are crafted from compressed wet paper fibres. Unlike the majority of paper packaging solutions, Upfield's paper tubs do not use a plastic liner, meaning they can be recycled along with other paper and cardboard household waste. 

Amidst the rising tide of sustainability efforts, Upfield emerges as a guiding light in the fight against plastic waste, packaging dependency, and the need for sustainable practices in the food industry. This is achieved through groundbreaking packaging innovations, aligning with Amsterdam's reputation as a hub for environmentally conscious enterprises across innovative companies, where good ideas grow into impactful solutions.

Read more about the food sector in Amsterdam