HKScan to eliminate black plastic packaging in Sweden and Finland

Finnish meat and meals company HKScan has committed to eliminate all non-recyclable black plastic packaging in Sweden and Finland by the end of this year.

The company has made the decision in an effort to decrease environmental impact and enable the reuse of materials in both countries.

HKScan categories and concepts executive vice-president Heli Arantola said: “Replacing black plastic packaging with other colours and materials is a concrete step towards the right direction.”

The company has already commenced the initiative in Finland by introducing its Kariniemen-branded products in yellow plastic. It also plans to transform the packaging of its HK brand later.

In Finland, HKScan is also planning to launch two new minced meat novelties packed in recyclable cardboard packaging later this month. It is expected to produce 80% less plastic waste.

Arantola added: “We want to do our utmost to develop packaging to be more sustainable and correspond to the expectations of the consumers.

“We have introduced a number of packaging technologies in our markets that improve product usability and decrease environmental impact.

“We are developing a road map also for Denmark and the Baltics – we want to show the way in all our markets.”

In Sweden, the company has developed new packaging for its Mamma Scans meatballs, which is expected to annually reduce the use of plastics by 30t.

The company has introduced packaging made using transparent, recycled plastic for its Rose brand.

In Baltics, HKScan has also replaced the plastic buckets used for packing chicken and pork sashliks, as well as marinated meat, with easy-to-carry bags. The move will reduce the use of plastic by approximately 70% in the region.