Taste range with MorroTM plastic-free coating

Huhtamaki is a key leading global player in sustainable food-on-the-go and food-on-the-the-shelf packaging solutions. Our ambition is to be the first choice for sustainable packaging solutions globally. We strive to earn this position every day with our leading innovative products that ensure hygiene and safety for food on-the-shelf and food on-the-go. We believe in protecting food, people and the planet and supporting affordability and accessibility to food and everyday necessities for people around the world.

Huhtamaki’s Taste Range with Morro™ coating is a next-generation bio-based food packaging solution designed for circularity. Combining high insulation fluted board with a plant-based, plastic free coating, it offers excellent performance for hot food delivery and on-the-go consumption. The packaging is both recyclable, ensuring 99% repulpability according to the CEPI test, and compostable (EN13432 pending), enabling multiple responsible end-of-life pathways.  Made in the UK using FSC-certified paper and locally sourced bio-feedstocks, the Taste Range ensures promotes packaging circularity without compromising functionality.

Potential future developments

Huhtamaki’s plastic-free food container is well positioned to evolve this novel sustainable packaging solution that aligns with both market demands and societal expectations. As demand grows and volume scales, the competitiveness of the coating will naturally improve, as will its functionality.

Continued research and development is being conducted to enhance the performance, durability, and cost-efficiency of the plastic-free coating. Widening the portfolio of coatings using the proteins to other technologies (cups, fibre and other paper-based containers) as well as offering films are part of future developments and Huhtamaki are well placed to work with Xampla to develop plastic free coated solutions in other packaging areas.

Future iterations of the design are already being considered to incorporate features that improve user convenience (e.g. microwaveability, ovenability, MAP shelf life) while maintaining sustainability, meeting evolving consumer lifestyles.

The solution addresses increasing societal concerns around plastic pollution and climate change. With tightening regulations on single-use plastics within the EU and globally, plastic-free containers will gain a competitive advantage by pre-emptively complying with evolving legal frameworks, EPR and SUPD.

Current contribution

Huhtamaki’s new plastic-free Taste Morro coated food box is a breakthrough in sustainable packaging, aligned with EU bioeconomy goals to reduce reliance on fossil-based plastics. Made from renewable, compostable, and biodegradable materials, eliminating PE/PET coatings, it supports circular economy principles: resource efficiency, waste reduction, recyclability and compostability.

• Sustainability: The shift to bio-based, plastic-free coatings leverages renewable resources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon footprint. A recent Huhtamaki LCA shows a 29% CO₂ reduction vs. PET-lined containers. The plastic-free coating is paired with FSC-certified virgin fibres sourced entirely in the EU to minimise impact.
• Waste reduction: With a CEPI recycling score of 99% in independent Henkel Europe tests, Morro enables easier recycling and biodegradation, cutting persistent plastic waste.
• Support EU policy objectives: This innovation aligns with the EU Green Deal and Circular Economy Action Plan, fostering sustainable product design and bio-based materials.
• Economic growth & job creation: Development and scaling of bio-based packaging technologies contribute to new business opportunities and jobs within the EU bioeconomy, fostering innovation across material science and manufacturing sectors.

The Morro food box shows how industry advance the EU bioeconomy, promoting circularity, environmental protection, and economic resilience in everyday products.