Speciality Food Feb/March 2024

40 @specialityfood application we’ve seen before. This saves them time, and gives them the most suitable solution.” “Most of ours are quite cost effective when you break themdown with the customers. Often they find we’re not as expensive as they think we might be,” says Alex. The value of using a professional company directly cannot be underestimated, agrees Rebecca Hailstone of Hydropac, which has the facilities to simulate extreme conditions, to fully test the capabilities of all its products. “We have seen weather around 40C in the UK, and we have the systems to test against that,” she explains. “We’ve tested all our packaging and ice packs, and we can prove that they work!” Choosing the right packaging for your product is as important as selecting your ingredients, says Michelle. “Consumers have come to expect the convenience of a doorstep delivery option from their favourite meal kit producers, farm shops, delis, butchers and fishmongers. Temperature-controlled packaging allows businesses to offer the same quality of food traditionally purchased in a restaurant or retail environment direct to consumer. With the revenue of meal kits in the UK expected to grow by over 47% by 2027, the insulative packaging sector will also anticipate growth.” The performance of packaging has a direct impact on the quality of goods received by consumers says Michelle, adding that “while producers remain uncertain in the courier network, it’s important that shipping solutions maintain product integrity, prevent spoilage, and ensure temperature- sensitive goods arrive with your customer in pristine condition.” The technology implemented by specialist packaging businesses can reassure producers the longevity of their food will not be compromised, says Rebecca. “It means at the end the product will still be the correct temperature, and will still be able to be used and consumed.” Professional packaging companies, she expands, are also looking to “use the correct amount for shipping” which can help to reduce costs. Driving innovation in sustainability There’s a lot of talk in retail and food production about industry having to ‘catch up’ to enable producers to provide sustainable packaging solutions to their customers. These changes and innovations are rapidly happening across the landscape. Sorbafreeze, for instance, has been working with environmental consultants, Mabbet, to develop a 10-year sustainability strategy, taking into account the sourcing of materials, reducing waste, and reducing carbon footprint. “The strategy aligns people, product and planet, and aims to work with employers, customers and supply chain to deliver a positive environmental impact,” Michelle explains. “Producers,” she says, “are under increasing pressure and UK government legislation to minimise their impact.” The Sorbafreeze teamhas developed a temperature- controlled packaging range that can be fully kerbside recycled, helping businesses to reduce their waste, and helping the end consumer to recycle the packaging at home with ease. “As a team, we’re passionate about creating a positive environmental contribution. We’ve always listened to our customers’ challenges, needs and desires to help shape our product range over the years,” Michelle continues. “With the impact of global warming so prevalent, we’re seeing a genuine interest and growing demand for fully kerbside recyclable packaging. We’ve recognised the need to take action now to minimise waste Temperature-controlled packaging allows businesses to offer the same quality of food traditionally purchased in a restaurant or retail environment direct to consumer MICHELLE OTTOLINI and increase recycling.” Rebecca says Hydropac has listened to its customer base and is “always thinking of newways to reduce the amount of non-recyclable materials we use.” The brand’s most eco-friendly shipping system is EnviroCool, which is made of up to 30% recycled material, and is fully recyclable by all local council collections. The moisture-resistant box, with a Kraft paper outer, is made with FSC paper, and is biodegradable and compostable too. “It’s a cardboard liner and box,” Rebecca explains. “It’s a great product for anyone looking for something fully sustainable and strong. It works wonderfully. We’ve got a video of two men standing on the box, and it didn’t collapse at all. It’s more robust, so it’s great for heavy items, but also for protecting things that are fragile.” Icertech’s innovation has led to more lightweight solutions, also using FSC sourced card. Both the Eco- Box and Corr-Box consist of a double cardboard outer, with two padded paper liners. The Eco-Box will hold its contents from0-8C for up to 48 hours while, with coolants, the Corr-Box will hold for up to 65 hours. Both boxes are fully kerbside recyclable, and perform incredibly well, say the team. “They’re something we’re very proud of,” admits Alex, who says although polystyrene is thought to be the leadingmaterial for shipping chilled and frozen goods, most producers