2M Group launches sustainable packaging business
Based in Milton Keynes, the group says the new business is the exclusive licence holder for Morro – a bio-based material derived from natural plant proteins from the Xampla stable.
Morro is fully biodegradable and home compostable while being safe for food contact, offering high strength, grease and oxygen barrier properties said to make it ideal as a replacement to plastic.
Sustainable Packaging Technologies is responsible for Morro Coating’s production and distribution across Europe, producing multi-tonnes of material at its MK facility.
Leveraging the expertise from 2M Group’s leading materials sciences company, Banner Chemicals, Sustainable Packaging Technologies will lead the way in enabling brands to meet the growing consumer demand for bio-based packaging, offering ‘plug and play’ replacements for traditional plastic across a broad range of consumer products.
The new enterprise is led by Business Unit Head, James Nelson, who brings 25 years of experience in the packaging and material science industry.
The company’s mission is to build a portfolio of biomaterial technologies and solutions that can be integrated into existing packaging manufacturing processes utilising 2M Group and Banner Chemical’s extensive network, knowledge and resources.
“As we launch Sustainable Packaging Technologies, I'm thrilled to lead our team in driving sustainable innovation within the packaging industry,” said Nelson. “Our bio-based solutions will offer brands effective alternatives to plastic, delivering environmental responsibility without compromising on performance.
“We aim to act as a trusted partner between R&D material science companies and leading packaging manufacturers and converters who are keen to support brands to deliver on their sustainability pledges.”
Sustainable Packaging Technologies has been supported by strategic partnerships and investments from both Innovate UK and SSPP Government funding, enabling the business to scale up sustainable technologies that are both environmentally and commercially conscious.
Gal Maller, Commercial Director and 2M Board member, said: “In today’s world, businesses must not only focus on ESG’s foundations of Environmental, Social and Governance, but also ensure Economic Sustainability is part of that consideration. Packaging therefore needs to deliver on many fronts.”
