Smurfit Kappa has high hopes for 'pioneering' food packaging

Paper-based packaging firm Smurfit Kappa on Tuesday launched its “pioneering” MB12 cardboard carton, a fully recyclable board that meets all food safety standards.

The FTSE 350 traded company said the technology, which is designed to prevent the migration of mineral oil into packaged food, has had its efficacy verified by food and pharmaceutical product tester Eurofins.

Furthermore, an independent year-long study by the Technical University of Dresden concluded that Smurfit Kappa’s MB12 was the most effective product on the market for protecting packaged food against potential contamination.

Mineral oil, which can be potentially harmful, mainly originates from printing inks which can remain in recycled packaging in low quantities due to the recycling process. Other sources of mineral oil include food additives, processing aids and lubricants used in the food processing industry.

The MB12 product is made using natural ingredients in recycled board, is fully recyclable and can be delivered as FSC chain-of-custody certified.

Available in a range of weights, Smurfit Kappa said that MB12 also protects against organoleptic effects of taste and odour into the food.

Lars Henriksson, VP Product Development at Smurfit Kappa’s Paper Division, said: “Our customers have a diverse set of needs and we are committed to helping them find the right primary packaging for their requirements. Product safety remains at the forefront of what we do as an industry. Developing our unique MB12 primary packaging further demonstrates how we are innovating to provide a broad range of sustainable solutions for our customers that not only meet all food safety standards but that go one step further.”

As of 1020 BST, Smurfit Kappa’s shares were up 0.93% at 3,028.00p.