M&S ditches plastic ham packaging for FSC-approved paper

M&S is using the FSC-certified paper from Swedish firm Billerud. The material is said to be highly stretchable and is the first paper that can be used as an alternative to plastic on an existing thermoforming line without the need for costly investment.

The packaging, which is being used to package M&S’s sliced ham, was developed in a project involving M&S, Billerud and Flextrus – Billerud manufactures the paper, while Flextrus prints and applies the protective barrier and sealant to the paper.

The material creates a barrier that preserves the quality and flavour of the meat contained within.

Darren Thomas, UK sales director of Billerud, told Packaging News:”This was a bold step for M&S as we had to prove that our new paper FibreForm would run on the existing thermoforming lines without any difference.”

‘Premium look’ of paper
M&S packaging technologist Mark Caul said: “The FibreForm packaging provides a premium look to our ham and is constructed from sustainable FSC sourced paper.

“It is important to Marks and Spencer to work with innovative solution providers to develop packaging for the future and Billerud has supported our innovation work through their proactive approach.”

Thomas added: “M&S showed a willingness to be innovative in order to work towards their Plan A strategy (sustainability & packaging reduction), by investing time to explore this opportunity.

“We still have a little way to go before we can claim full sustainability with the ham tray and we will continue to work very closely with M&S, but it’s a significant leap forward.”

FibreForm is manufactured using 100% primary sourced fibre and is approved for direct contact with food.

Earlier this year, Billerud’s Gruvön mill was one of many Swedish paper mills that went on strike after the Swedish Paper Workers Union rejected a new labour agreement.

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