FDBusiness.com

Finnish foodservice packaging group Huhtamaki is adopting 100% use of PEFC certified paperboard throughout its UK manufacturing ahead of the new EU Timber Regulations

The application of the EU Timber Regulations starts from March. It prohibits the placing on the EU market for the first time of illegally harvested timber and products derived from such timber. It also requires EU traders who place timber products on the EU market for the first time to exercise due diligence.

Speaking of Huhtamaki’s new initiative, Huhtamaki UK Foodservice sales and marketing director John Young said: “Huhtamaki is dedicated in its efforts to manufacturing foodservice disposables that are made using paperboard sourced from suppliers who promote good forestry practice.

“We are proud to demonstrate our support for the high ecological, social and ethical standards required for sustainable forest management, and ahead of the soon-to-be implemented legislation – the 2013 European Timber Regulations – we are delighted that 100% of the paperboard used within our PEFC certified UK manufacturing plant is from PEFC certified sources.”

All paper cups and food containers manufactured by Huhtamaki UK are now made from PEFC certified board.

In a statement, Huhtamaki added: “The move, which is an open declaration that all paperboard used by Huhtamaki UK is PEFC certified, comes in response to the soon-to-be introduced legislation set under the 2013 European Timber regulations and sees the Company lead the industry by starting the process ahead of the new rules coming into force.”