Huhtamaki North America launches fiber-based egg cartons, made from 100% recycled materials, in the United States for the first time
“We expect the demand for egg cartons in the USA to reach 4.3 billion packs in 2025. The market size presents a great opportunity for the egg producers looking to shift to fiber-based egg cartons ahead of legislation and bans on polystyrene foam packaging,” stated Tyler Hodges, Sales Manager for Huhtamaki North America. “Huhtamaki’s experience with molded fiber product design and operations is extensive worldwide and we will fully leverage this for the needs of the US market.”
With more than 100 years of experience in molded fiber packaging technology, Huhtamaki, the maker of Chinet® tableware, is launching fiber-based egg cartons, made from 100% recycled material, for US egg producers. Huhtamaki is bringing its fiber expertise to the US as an alternative to foam egg packaging.
As of today, twelve states have enacted legislation aimed at banning expanded polystyrene packaging. The most common application for this material includes foam “peanuts” for packing, coolers, food service cups and plates, and egg packaging. In 2022, Huhtamaki announced a $100 million investment into a 250,000-square-foot expansion of its Hammond, Indiana, molded fiber manufacturing plant. Huhtamaki’s state-of-the-art technology will provide a full range of highly customizable egg cartons that are fiber-based and manufactured from 100% recycled North American materials. The cartons will offer increased branding space and will be available in several colors.
“We are pleased to work with Huhtamaki since we are aligned with their vision to protect food, people, and the planet,” said Ryan Miller, CEO, at Farmers Hen House. “One of the pillars of our business is to be good stewards of the environment, our farmers, and the community. For us, this includes sustainable packaging. It is simply the right thing to do.”
This investment into the North American market demonstrates Huhtamaki’s commitment to making packaging better through optimization of material use, developing sustainable options, and delivering fit-for-purpose packaging that helps transition to a circular economy.
Source: huhtamaki.com
Harpak-Ulma has launched the Ulma VTC 840 WD Washdown Vertical Packaging System for high-sanitation food applications. The VFFS machine is designed to improve cleanability, uptime, usability, and efficiency while reducing hidden operational costs. The system offers nearly 20% lower electrical consumption, over 30% lower compressed-air use, and automation features.
Food processing automation specialist Fortifi Food Processing Solutions has completed the acquisition of UK equipment manufacturer Deighton Manufacturing UK Ltd, strengthening its capabilities in forming, portioning, coating and frying technologies.
Tetra Pak launches its first industrial bioreactor, the Bioreactor RF, for fermentation-derived food ingredients and new food production. The company says the system can cut operating costs by up to 12% and investment costs by up to 8%. Available from 10 to 50,000 liters, the bioreactor uses a consistent platform to help producers scale from pilot runs to full industrial production.
