Tasty new deal as Xampla goes Bunzi jumping

Bunzl UK & Ireland is a leading supplier in the food service sector providing a significant platform for the introduction of Morro Coating - Xampla technology - to the industry.

The ‘Taste’ boxes are available now across Bunzl’s extensive network of operating companies, delivering to national restaurant chains, transport hubs, hotels, contract caterers, and stadiums across the UK and Ireland.

Crafted in the UK from responsibly-sourced papers and available in a range of sizes, the ‘Taste’ boxes range features an embossed Morro marque to showcase it has a barrier coating made from plants.

Classified as plastic-free under the European SUP Directive alongside rigorous in-house evaluations at Xampla, Morro Coating offers excellent grease and leak resistance while still maintaining the recyclability of the premium packaging range.

This partnership follows a comprehensive evaluation of Morro Coating’s performance, recyclability and its end-of-life scenarios.

Cambridge University spin-out Xampla’s natural plant protein technology offers a scalable, drop-in alternative for manufacturers and brands navigating regulatory and environmental pressures, as well as responding to consumer demand.

Alexandra French, Chief Executive at Xampla, said: “The launch of Huhtamaki’s ‘Taste’ Boxes with Morro™ Coating represents a new level of success for Xampla. Our exclusive partnership with Bunzl sees Morro Coating introduced to a significant number of food service operators in the UK and Ireland for the first time, presenting their customers with the very latest in SUPD-exempt materials and product innovation. Bunzl UK & Ireland’s established distribution networks are second to none and we are delighted to be exclusively partnering together.”

Katie Shaw, Purchasing Director at Bunzl Catering & Hospitality Division, adds: "At Bunzl, we're committed to providing our customers with food packaging solutions that team the highest standards of performance with credible sustainability attributes. ‘Taste’ hot food boxes with Morro Coating, made from plants, are leak-proof and perfect for delivery, hot counters, and al-fresco dining. We're confident that Xampla's Morro Coating technology delivers the barrier performance our customers require in their food service operations.”

The introduction of Xampla products to Bunzl UK & Ireland’s extensive range of food packaging products builds on recent momentum, following Just Eat Takeaway.com’s introduction of Morro coated delivery boxes to over 40,000 restaurant partners across Germany.

This latest milestone demonstrates the growing success of Xampla's licensing agreement with 2M Group of Companies, which supplies packaging manufacturers including Huhtamaki, a key partner in bringing Morro™ Coating to market, at scale.

Bunzl UK & Ireland will serve as the exclusive distributor for Huhtamaki's ‘Taste’ hot food boxes featuring Morro™ Coating into the UK and Ireland until October 2025.