MATERIALS innovator Xampla showcased its natural polymer technology on the BBC’s The One Show last night, as part of a look at how Britain’s relationship with plastic has changed over the years.
The company’s technology director, Dr Scott Thompson, was interviewed to explain how plastic-free innovation has progressed as part of the organisation’s efforts to tackle the global plastic pollution problem, and how new materials can be used to replace the hidden plastic within everyday food packaging.
Based on 15 years of research at the University of Cambridge, Xampla’s multi-patented technology is behind the Morro materials made from plant protein, designed to eliminate the most polluting and single-use plastics.
The company has developed a solution to replace the hidden plastic linings in a variety of packaging formats. Its flagship range, Morro Coating, launched across Europe in takeaway boxes in partnership with Just Eat Takeaway.com earlier this year.
Xampla argues that the market adoption of plastic-free solutions such as Morro Coating is ‘critical’ for the industry’s drive towards circularity, with increasing scrutiny on plastic and forever chemicals in both regulations and consumer demand.
Recent research commissioned by Xampla found that 80% of the public think all food packaging should be plastic-free where possible, although less than half (49%) were even aware that most paper takeaway boxes are lined with plastic in the first place.
Dr Scott Thompson said, “We were delighted to welcome The One Show team to our labs in Cambridge to demonstrate the high-performance capabilities of our plastic-free Morro materials. Our Morro materials are designed to eliminate the most polluting plastics hidden in everyday life. With our natural polymer technology, Xampla offers innovative packaging solutions to help everyone make the right choice for the planet.”
