Sustainable packaging innovator Kelpi has secured a new contract with global fresh fruit producer Blue Skies and Waitrose, aiming to eliminate plastic packaging by introducing seaweed-derived alternatives.
Kelpi, backed by Waitrose and working closely with Blue Skies, is embarking on an 18-month project funded by FRESHPPACT to revolutionize fresh cut fruit packaging. The goal is to bring plastic-free packaging solutions to market by 2025, with a focus on reducing plastic waste in the fresh produce supply chain from Sub-Saharan Africa to the UK and Europe.
With plastic pollution becoming an increasing concern globally, Kelpi’s innovative biopolymer material, derived from seaweed, offers a sustainable, recyclable, and compostable alternative to traditional plastic packaging. This material provides a long-term water and acid barrier, addressing environmental challenges posed by single-use plastics.
Ben Fiennes, Packaging Technologist at Waitrose & Partners, stated:
“Waitrose & Partners are dedicated to minimizing our environmental footprint by developing innovative solutions to reduce waste and mitigate the impact of single-use packaging on the environment. We are proud to support Kelpi in their sustainability efforts.”
Simon Derrick, Head of Sustainability at Blue Skies, added:
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Kelpi on this project, working towards impactful packaging solutions and creating positive change, particularly in regions like Ghana where our fresh-cut fruit is sourced.”
Hugo Adams, Chief Commercial Officer at Kelpi, commented:
“Kelpi is excited to partner with Waitrose & Partners and Blue Skies to implement our seaweed-based biomaterials, offering eco-friendly alternatives to address the global issue of single-use plastic packaging in the fresh produce industry.”
