Stora Enso propels PureFiber plastic-free takeout bowls’ Nordic footprint with Tingstad distribution deal

13 Oct 2020 --- Sweden-based foodservice and disposable packaging distributor Tingstad will sell Stora Enso’s PureFiber takeout bowls directly to customers in the fast-food industry. The plastic-free PureFiber bowls facilitate the shift to paper-based takeout packaging.

“Tingstad is an established wholesaler with great reach in the Nordic region. It is a great partner to work with as it has long-standing customer relationships and an innovative mindset,” Sohrab Kazemahvazi, senior vice president of formed fiber at Stora Enso, tells PackagingInsights.

“We strongly believe that PureFiber will play an important role in the market conversion from plastic to non-plastic food packaging,” adds Johan Larsson, purchasing manager at Tingstad.

Kazemahvazi notes that the move is further prompted by the increasing demand for plastic-free solutions due to the EU’s decision to ban some single-use plastic items.

The European Council approved the implementation of a plastic tax starting January 1, 2021, as part of its latest agreement on the new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) (2021-2027) and coronavirus recovery fund.

The plan foresees a €0.80/kg levy on non-recycled plastic packaging waste, which will be paid by Member States into the EU budget.

Environmental street cred
Amid a crowding market for products designed for circularity, PureFiber is plastic- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS)-free, recyclable and biodegradable.

“Existing technologies for formed or molded fiber food packaging either rely on plastic coatings or PFAS treatment to achieve water-, grease- and oil-resistant properties.”PureFiber by Stora Enso is plastic-free, PFAS-free and safe for food contact.”

A recent review by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found a host of potential health effects associated with PFAS exposure, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease.

In July last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggested a voluntary phase-out of PFAS that contain 6:2 fluorotelomer alcohol (6:2 FTOH).

As PFASs are mainly used for grease and moisture resistance in paper, paperboard and molded fiber food packaging, the FDA points to the potential human health risks from food contact dietary exposure.

In November, Stora Enso applied HS Manufacturing Group’s plant-based barrier coatings Protēan technology to its renewable and recyclable PureFiber.

PureFiber products deliver significant CO2 reductions compared to alternative materials. “We have conducted a life cycle assessment study showing a 60 to 80 percent reduction in CO2-equivalent emissions versus equivalent products made from polystyrene, rPET and bagasse,” adds Kazemahvazi. 

Future applications
PureFiber products are produced at Stora Enso’s Hylte Mill in Sweden and are made of natural wood fibers. Potential applications also include non-food items to replace plastic in agriculture, electronics and consumer and industrial goods packaging.

“In the short term, we will launch several new products to broaden our range in the takeout sector. At the same time, we are exploring other segments, such as trays and punnets for fruit and vegetables,” says Kazemahvazi.

The company intends to further expand in formed fiber products and technologies. With an eye on the future, Stora Enso “welcomes new customers and projects.”

By Anni Schleicher