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Tetra Pak Partners With Swan Neck Bio To Enhance New Food Offerings
Tetra Pak Partners With Swan Neck Bio To Enhance New Food Offerings
Tetra Pak Partners With Swan Neck Bio To Enhance New Food Offerings
- Tetra Pak has partnered with Danish biotech company Swan Neck Bio to enhance its new food offerings, aimed at simplifying fermentation processes and minimising contamination risks in food production.
- This collaboration introduces Swan Neck Bio’s DIRINOC, a concentrated and storable starter culture, into Tetra Pak’s new food portfolio. This
- Tetra Pak has partnered with Danish biotech company Swan Neck Bio to enhance its new food offerings, aimed at simplifying fermentation processes and minimising contamination risks in food production.
- This collaboration introduces Swan Neck Bio’s DIRINOC, a concentrated and storable starter culture, into Tetra Pak’s new food portfolio. This innovative solution allows producers to directly inoculate their fermenters, bypassing the need for complex, multi-stage on-site seed preparation. This streamlined method significantly reduces the risk of contamination, minimises waste, and leads to more consistent production outcomes.
- Contamination and unpredictable yields are common challenges that hinder the scaling of biomass and precision fermentation products. By leveraging DIRINOC for the seed stage, Tetra Pak claims that businesses can reduce equipment costs, prevent delays, and achieve a faster return on investment. This option also offers flexibility, allowing producers to choose between their own seed trains or this new, less complex alternative for early-stage production.
- The new solution is currently being tested at the Tetra Pak New Food Technology Development Centre, in Karlshamn, Sweden, where pilot-scale trials are in progress. This allows producers to experiment with different equipment and inoculation methods, ensuring that their facilities are designed around proven processes before committing to full-scale operations.
- “Our goal is to give food innovators more control and less risk when scaling fermentation,” said Rafael Barros, director of new food at Tetra Pak. “Partnering with Swan Neck Bio means our customers can spend less time managing seed trains and more time fine-tuning processes, improving product quality, and accelerating commercial launches.”
- Troels Prahl, co-founder and CEO of Swan Neck Bio, added, “By combining our inoculum expertise with Tetra Pak’s engineering and food-manufacturing capabilities, we’re helping the new-food sector overcome a critical hurdle. Together we can shorten development timelines, cut contamination risks, and give producers confidence to scale up sustainably.”
Envipco: Guiding Retailers Through Recycling's New Reality
Tetra Pak Partners With Swan Neck Bio To Enhance New Food Offerings
Tetra Pak Partners With Swan Neck Bio To Enhance New Food Offerings
- With EU packaging rules tightening, many retailers are offering recycling options for the first time. How can they make the process simple and effective?
- Across Europe, retailers are preparing for a major shift as deposit return schemes (DRS) expand, with stores now tasked with a new responsibility: beverage container recovery.
- The EU has s
- With EU packaging rules tightening, many retailers are offering recycling options for the first time. How can they make the process simple and effective?
- Across Europe, retailers are preparing for a major shift as deposit return schemes (DRS) expand, with stores now tasked with a new responsibility: beverage container recovery.
- The EU has set ambitious goals: by 2029, 90% of single-use plastic and metal beverage containers, up to three litres, must be collected separately.
- Many markets are already achieving return rates above 90%. Germany, for example, has reached 98%, while Lithuania climbed from 70% to more than 90% within two years.
- While the environmental benefits are clear, for many retailers the question remains: How do we make it work in practice?
- This is where Envipco, a global leader in reverse vending technology, comes in. With more than 40 years of experience across multiple DRS markets, Envipco doesn’t just supply machines, it provides the expertise, guidance and support that retailers need to turn regulation into opportunity.
- “What sets Envipco apart is not only the quality of our technology, but the way we work alongside our customers,” says Simon Bolton, CEO of Envipco.
- “Retailers can trust us to deliver solutions that are reliable, easy to use, and tailored to their needs — making recycling simpler for both stores and consumers.”
- Experience Across Markets
- With established operations in the US, the Netherlands, Ireland, Hungary, Romania, Greece, Malta, Slovakia and Sweden, and new rollouts in Portugal and Poland, Envipco combines global expertise with local knowledge.
- This allows it to apply best practices from mature markets while tailoring solutions to the specific regulatory, cultural, and operational needs of each country.
- Its four production plants in the US, Germany, Greece, and Romania enable fast scaling, shorter delivery times, and reliable supply for retailers of all sizes.
- This approach reduces risk for retailers and ensures smoother transitions into DRS compliance. Every solution is customised — from compact systems for convenience stores to high-volume bulk-feed models for hypermarkets — so retailers can integrate recycling without compromising store efficiency.
- “Retailers in every market face different challenges, and our role is to guide them through that transition,” says Fons Buurman, chief commercial officer at Envipco.
- “Whether it’s a small shop in Portugal or a hypermarket in Sweden, we adapt our solutions to fit their needs and make the move into DRS as smooth as possible.”
- Understanding Retailer's Pain Points
- Retailers face multiple DRS challenges: complex regulations, the need to integrate recycling systems without interupting store operations, ensuring a smooth customer experience.
- They must also balance investment in recycling systems with the need to see returns. Envipco’s consultative approach starts with listening.
- Every retailer, from small convenience stores to hypermarket chains, has different concerns.
- Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all stance, Envipco partners with clients to design a solution that fits their footprint, throughput and customer profile.
- Tailored Solutions, Trusted Partnership
- Envipco helps retailers to interpret DRS legislation, understand requirements and translate that into practical store solutions.
- The right machine is matched to the retailer’s needs. The complete range offers solutions for every format: from Compact and Flex® for small stores to the high capacity Modula and Quantum for large retailers.
- Rollout is guided step-by-step, with training for staff and technical teams. Then Envipco provides ongoing support to ensure uptime, compliance and efficiency.
- This approach is especially valued in new DRS markets. Retailers often ask: How many machines will I need? Where should they be placed?
- What will the customer journey look like? Envipco has the answers, backed by decades of experience across Europe and North America.
- Quantum: High-Volume Recycling Made Easy
- Among Envipco’s portfolio, the Quantum bulk-feed reverse vending machine is a standout example of technology solving real retailer pain points.
- Retailers often face challenges with long queues, staff-intensive servicing and limited space.
- Quantum tackles these issues head-on: with its bulk-feed technology, consumers can pour in an entire bag of containers at once.
- The machine processes up to 100 containers per minute – fast, hygienic and convenient – ensuring customers are done in no time.
- And with outdoor placement, it frees up valuable retail space for sales. This approach is proving successful in several markets.
- In Sweden, retailers have installed hundreds of outdoor bulk-feed Quantum machines to handle large return volumes without sacrificing store space.
- In the Netherlands, outdoor Quantum installations have helped businesses, such as gas stations and car washes, attract more customers – with some people travelling up to 40km just to use the machine.
- Turning Obligation Into Opportunity
- While many retailers initially view DRS as a burden, Envipco’s solutions show it can also be an opportunity.
- All its reverse vending machines (RVMs) ensure compliance and drive foot traffic, reinforce sustainability commitments and enhance brand reputation.
- For example, the Compact, Envipco’s smallest RVM, requires only 0.42sq metres of floor space. This makes it ideal for convenience stores and smaller formats.
- Customers overwhelmingly prefer automatic collection over manual handling, and offering an RVM solution attracts more shoppers into the store.
- By integrating features such as digital interfaces, branding opportunities and even ad platforms, Envipco helps transform the recycling station from a cost centre into a customer engagement point – one that boosts sales, strengthens loyalty and showcases sustainability in action.
- Making Recycling Easier, Together
- Envipco’s mission is simple: to make recycling easier for everyone. For retailers, that means a partner who simplifies complexity and provides reliable technology backed by decades of expertise.
- For customers, it means fast, convenient recycling. And for communities, it means progress toward a cleaner world.
- As new DRS markets emerge, Envipco draws on its global experience to turn uncertainty into confidence.
- “Our role is to make life easier for retailers and communities as they adapt to DRS,” says Bolton. “We bring the expertise and support to make recycling not just a requirement, but an opportunity to engage customers and deliver impact.”
- This article was written in partnership with Envipco.
Stora Enso Opens Modern Packaging Line In Finland
Tetra Pak Partners With Swan Neck Bio To Enhance New Food Offerings
Cadbury Crunchie Gets Sustainable Makeover As Mondelēz And Tesco Test New Packaging
- Renewable packaging products supplier Stora Enso has inaugurated what it describes as 'Europe's most modern' consumer packaging board production line in Oulu, Finland.
- Stora Enso invested €1.1 billion in the new production line in addition to other developments on the site area, which amounted to a total of approximately €1.7 billion betwe
- Renewable packaging products supplier Stora Enso has inaugurated what it describes as 'Europe's most modern' consumer packaging board production line in Oulu, Finland.
- Stora Enso invested €1.1 billion in the new production line in addition to other developments on the site area, which amounted to a total of approximately €1.7 billion between 2019–2025.
- The Oulu mill aims to meet the growing global demand for renewable packaging, contributing to the circular bio-economy and boosting Finland's exports with high-value products.
- The conversion of former paper machines has reduced fossil carbon dioxide emissions by 90% while incorporating cutting-edge technology.
- The mill now produces folding boxboard, kraft liners, paper bag material, and unbleached softwood pulp suitable for direct food contact, with almost all production destined for export.
- Stora Enso's Oulu mill leverages its innovative FiberLight Tec technology to create strong, lightweight packaging boards.
- This allows for the production of various cardboard solutions, ideal for packaging frozen, refrigerated, and shelf-stable foods, pharmaceuticals, and multipacks of beverages.
- Oulu Mill
- The Oulu mill has a long history, dating back to the 1930s, and currently employs over 900 people directly, with many more jobs supported across the supply chain.
- The new production line is expected to reach full capacity (750,000 tonnes) by 2027, generating annual sales of approximately €800 million.
- Hans Sohlström, president and CEO of Stora Enso, stated, “The Oulu production site is a strategically significant investment as it strengthens our leading position in high added value renewable packaging materials and increases Finland's export revenue significantly. Consumer packaging made from wood fibres has great potential to replace plastic packaging and our materials are designed for existing recycling streams.
- “The nearly carbon-neutral production site in Oulu is a prime example of an investment in bio-economy, and it concretely contributes to the transition from fossil materials to renewable and recyclable packaging.”
- Matti Lielahti, head of Stora Enso Oulu business unit, added, “Our folding box board can be up to a third lighter than traditional boards, the material is efficient and durable and helps our customers to reduce the consumption of packaging material and at the same time reduce their transport emissions. This means also that they have very high added value.
- “Our mill’s location next to the deep port enables efficient logistics worldwide throughout the year. It is important for us to be involved in mitigating climate change. We mainly use pulpwood purchased from private forest owners in Finland, small-diameter wood, and wood chips from our sawmills for board production. We also utilise bark and sawdust for energy production. The bioenergy produced in the mill is used for district heating in Oulu.”
Cadbury Crunchie Gets Sustainable Makeover As Mondelēz And Tesco Test New Packaging
Cadbury Crunchie Gets Sustainable Makeover As Mondelēz And Tesco Test New Packaging
Cadbury Crunchie Gets Sustainable Makeover As Mondelēz And Tesco Test New Packaging
- Mondelēz International has teamed up with Tesco to trial new Cadbury Crunchie multipack packaging that, it claims, will reduce the outer plastic by 60% per pack.
- The initiative will see Mondelēz replacing the plastic overwrap on Cadbury Crunchie multipacks with ‘innovative’ stickers.
- The new packaging will be implemented on approximately 1.
- Mondelēz International has teamed up with Tesco to trial new Cadbury Crunchie multipack packaging that, it claims, will reduce the outer plastic by 60% per pack.
- The initiative will see Mondelēz replacing the plastic overwrap on Cadbury Crunchie multipacks with ‘innovative’ stickers.
- The new packaging will be implemented on approximately 1.8 million Cadbury Crunchie four-bar multipacks sold in Tesco stores until early 2026.
- Each sticker will feature a QR code linking to an online survey, providing consumers with the opportunity to share feedback on the new design and its usability.
- It will also include the nutritional and recycling information currently found on existing Cadbury Crunchie multipacks.
- Insights from the survey will help Mondelēz International gain a better understanding of how to approach innovation in the future, to support its global sustainable packaging goals.
- ‘A Key Concern’
- Joanna Dias, sustainability lead at Mondelēz UK, stated, “Reducing our packaging and the use of virgin plastic are key pillars in our global ‘Pack Light and Right’ strategy, and we know that more sustainable packaging is a key concern of our consumers, which is why we are asking for their valuable feedback on the trial.”
- James Bull, Tesco’s head of packaging, added, “As part of our Planet Plan, Tesco is committed to reducing its packaging footprint and working with suppliers to assess the suitability of their packaging.
- “This trial from Mondelēz International has the potential to drive forward change in the chocolate category, whilst supporting our mission to eliminate preventable packaging waste.”
- Packaging Reduction Initiatives
- Last year, Mondelēz announced that around 300 million Cadbury sharing bars in the UK and Ireland would be wrapped in 80% certified recycled plastic, using advanced recycling technology and a mass-balance approach.
- The company has introduced paper-based multipack bags for Cadbury biscuits in the UK, reducing approximately 145 tonnes of virgin-plastic use.
- Elsewhere, Tesco has pledged to reduce its packaging with the help of its ‘4Rs’ strategy, which includes removing plastic from its own-brand product ranges and working with suppliers to help reduce packaging.
- As of April 2025, Tesco has removed over 2.5 billion pieces of plastic from its own-brand products in the UK since 2019, while, since 2020, the supermarket has removed 5,900 tonnes of packaging through plastic reduction.
Transforming The Food Supply Chain With Tosca’s Reusable Packaging
Cadbury Crunchie Gets Sustainable Makeover As Mondelēz And Tesco Test New Packaging
Transforming The Food Supply Chain With Tosca’s Reusable Packaging
- Tosca, a global leader in 100% reusable and recyclable plastic packaging and pooling solutions, plays a crucial role in reshaping the modern food supply chain, ensuring that every meal begins with smarter logistics and ends with satisfied, sustainability-conscious consumers.
- “Tosca’s mission is to eliminate waste and unlock hidden value ac
- Tosca, a global leader in 100% reusable and recyclable plastic packaging and pooling solutions, plays a crucial role in reshaping the modern food supply chain, ensuring that every meal begins with smarter logistics and ends with satisfied, sustainability-conscious consumers.
- “Tosca’s mission is to eliminate waste and unlock hidden value across the supply chain,” says Jurgen Van Roy, vice-president of supply chain.
- “From reducing packaging waste to increasing the durability and safety of assets, our model enables businesses to operate more sustainably while enhancing their operational performance.”
- Safer, Cleaner, Smarter
- Today’s consumers not only care about what they eat, but also about how it gets to their table. Transparency, traceability and sustainability are no longer optional.
- Tosca’s technology-driven solutions support these goals by enabling the clear traceability of products and reducing food waste through more stable and hygienic load carriers.
- Driving Efficiency
- Food supply chains are complex, spanning thousands of kilometres and involving multiple stakeholders.
- At every link, Tosca’s packaging solutions provide an infrastructure that is both standardised and flexible, allowing retailers and producers to scale up/down without compromising on quality.
- Tosca’s customers also benefit from improved asset visibility and inventory control.
- Closed-Loop Approach
- Instead of relying on single-use packaging that ends up in landfills and drains resources, Tosca’s plastic-based assets are designed for durability, and when they reach the end of their usable life, they are recycled and reborn.
- “Our entire model is circular,” says Van Roy. “We collect assets, inspect them, repair if needed, and clean them thoroughly with food-approved detergents. If an asset is beyond repair, it’s recycled and reintroduced into the system. No plastic is wasted, and the loop is fully closed.”
- A Powerful, Complete Solution
- What sets Tosca apart is its ability to apply this circular approach across the entire supply chain, offering a complete, reusable packaging solution, from producer to retailer, that delivers both operational value and environmental benefits.
- Innovation That Never Stops
- Innovation is at the heart of Tosca’s identity. With a dedicated team focused on product design, material science and digital technologies, the company continues to push the boundaries of what reusable packaging can achieve.
- A Trusted Partner
- Tosca’s value extends beyond products. At its core, the company operates as a strategic partner, working closely with customers to assess their needs, identify opportunities for efficiency, and develop long-term solutions. This collaborative approach sets Tosca apart in a crowded marketplace.
- For more information, visit www.toscaltd.com.
- This article was written in partnership with Tosca.
Walkers Chocolates Switches To Recyclable Paper Packaging
Cadbury Crunchie Gets Sustainable Makeover As Mondelēz And Tesco Test New Packaging
Transforming The Food Supply Chain With Tosca’s Reusable Packaging
- UK chocolate brand Walkers Chocolates has teamed up with UPM Specialty Papers and EvoPak to switch from plastic to recyclable paper packaging for its chocolates.
- This move will help Walkers Chocolates to meet its sustainability goals by reducing plastic use.
- The new packaging is based on a fibre-based solution that retains product quality w
- UK chocolate brand Walkers Chocolates has teamed up with UPM Specialty Papers and EvoPak to switch from plastic to recyclable paper packaging for its chocolates.
- This move will help Walkers Chocolates to meet its sustainability goals by reducing plastic use.
- The new packaging is based on a fibre-based solution that retains product quality while matching the functional benefits of traditional plastic packaging.
- Walkers Chocolates rolled out this recyclable paper packaging for products supplied to major retailers and international clients, as well as for several branded chocolates available in the UK and international stores.
- The UPM Solide Lucent is a strong, versatile paper known for its unique appearance, smooth surface, and high density, making it excellent for printing and processing, the company noted.
- ‘A Revolutionary Solution’
- Tom Murtagh, commercial director at Walkers Chocolates, commented, “The printability of UPM Solide Lucent is really impressive, and EvoPak’s RCM coating is a revolutionary solution for our industry.
- “We've achieved the same packaging line efficiency, maintaining the same speed as our previous plastic packaging materials with only minor adjustments.”
- Tom Lock, CEO of EvoPak, added, “We’re extremely happy with how the paper extrudes and the print quality in flexo is exceptional.
- “We are 100% happy in UPM Solide Lucent as the grade of choice for our future sustainable packaging development.”
- This new packaging is recyclable within existing fibre recycling systems, supporting the circular economy.
- In August, Mondelēz International teamed up with Tesco to trial new Cadbury Crunchie multipack packaging that, it claims, will reduce the outer plastic by 60% per pack.
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