Plastic-free packaging case study

Kimberley Tew, Founder & Director of Plastic Free Pantry

About Plastic Free PantryUK’s first and largest online plastic-free food shop offering over 200 items

Launched December 2017

Deliver plastic-free food and household items across the UK, Channel Islands, and Republic of Ireland

Self-funded social enterprise

Why eco-friendly packaging?● Environmental impact of

single-use unrecyclable packaging

● Growing consumer demand for plastic-free packaging

● Lack of recycling facilities and different approaches in different areas making it confusing for consumers to recycle

Requirements● Food safe● Protect the products within

○ Some products require air & moisture barrier○ Some are OK with a more simple, permeable bag

● Responsible disposal○ Must be able to be recycled easily in all areas○ or composted in home compost conditions

Materials used

Paper

Cons

● Not moisture or air resistant

● Prone to breakages● Higher carbon footprint

than plastic

Pros

● Readily available● Easy to dispose of via

recycling or composting● Customers like paper -

perception of environmentally friendly choice

Materials usedNatureflex (home compostable plant film made from wood pulp)

Pros

● Moisture and air barrier● Fully compostable under

home conditions so doesn’t require access to industrial compost

● Less prone to breakages● Lower carbon footprint

than plastic or paper

Cons

● Not all customers have home compost

● Looks like plastic which customers find off-putting

● Lack of clarity around bioplastics means some people are reluctant to trust them

Results● Significant month on month organic growth● High customer satisfaction and trust● Regular repeat customers