Sustainable Company Awards 2024

Plastic reduction initiative of the year, EMEA: MM Moulded Pulp

MM Moulded Pulp is a fibre-based and plastic-free recyclable packaging introduced by board, paper, pulp and packaging manufacturer MM Group.

The new packaging uses thermoformed wet-moulding technology and MM Group say it will find applications across different market segments, including food and specialities, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, beauty and personal care and various others.

Nikolaus Salomon-HennMM Moulded Pulp shows a potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction of up to 10 times in comparison to comparable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tray solutions thanks to the production process that is running on 100% renewable electricity.

Furthermore, the vertically integrated approach encompasses pulp production, electricity generation and wastewater treatment on site further optimises the production process and reduces transport emissions.

The company claims that through its development capabilities it can support customers across Europe to replace current plastic packaging, including for complex shapes and bespoke solutions. It aims to replace up to 750 tonnes of virgin plastic by three-dimensional shaped packaging based on cellulosic fibres.

MM Group claims that by bringing moulded pulp production to Europe and capitalising on vertical integration capabilities it will reduce the environmental footprint of the articles made on site in comparison to those produced overseas.

One Sustainable Company Awards judge called it a "great substitute to plastic packaging".

In addition, the virgin hardwood and softwood pulp originate from responsibly managed European forests, as part of MM Group's dedication to sustainability.