Retailer Iceland has begun using a barrier paper provided by Mondi instead of plastic on some of its packaging.
Iceland’s frozen chicken dippers are the first to use the barrier paper packaging and appeared in stores in December.
The packaging can be recycled in existing paper streams, according to Mondi.
This is part of Iceland’s goal to eliminate plastic packaging by the end of 2023.
Iceland head of packaging, quality and food safety Stuart Lendrum said: “We’ve been bold in our aims to remove plastic: we were the first UK retailer to publish our plastic footprint along with our pledge to ultimately become plastic free.
“To deliver on this ‘Doing it Right’ promise, we knew we would need the expertise of global packaging suppliers like Mondi. Their collaborative EcoSolutions approach meant that our teams worked together to consider all elements of the product manufacturing and delivery journey. We now have a sustainable solution that is efficient to use, protects the products and meets the expectations of our customers.”
The barrier paper offers the same shelf life as the previous plastic packaging and is puncture resistant.
Mondi sales & business development director extrusion solutions Falk Paulsen added: “Iceland has set out ambitious sustainability targets and has already made great strides in reducing plastic packaging.
“Some products need more specialised solutions to ensure consumers get safe, high-quality food. Mondi’s functional barrier paper uses a wafer-thin coating that provides all the necessary barriers to keep food fresh and can still be recycled. It is a pleasure to be working with Iceland on their range of frozen food products.”
