Plant-based food business Huel has chosen Greiner Packaging’s K3 format for its meal pot packaging, using a plastic cup combined with a printed cardboard sleeve.

According to the packaging company, the format creates extra room for product details, preparation guidance and other consumer information.

The cardboard sleeve is printed in vibrant colours and includes UV spot varnish.

Greiner Packaging said the combination of cardboard and plastic reduces plastic use because the sleeve provides rigidity, which allows the plastic cup to be made with thinner walls than standard printed plastic cups.

The sleeve also adds insulation, which makes the format suitable for hot meal products and allows consumers to prepare and eat the product from the container.

Huel senior marketing manager Tim Urch said: “We chose Greiner Packaging's K3 packaging because it offers the perfect combination of premium shelf impact and consumer convenience.

“The high-quality finish helps our noodle range stand out in-store, while the cardboard wrap provides added insulation, making hot meals more comfortable to handle and enjoy. As a result, K3 is the perfect packaging fit for our convenient, nutritionally complete meal concept. Launching exclusively into Tesco is just the beginning, and we have ambitious plans for the range.”

K3 includes a tear tab to help users remove the cardboard sleeve from the plastic cup after use.

Instructions printed on the sleeve explain how to separate the two parts for disposal, in line with local sorting rules.

Greiner Packaging sales manager Donna Cullen said: “Huel wanted packaging that reflected the boldness of its new product. Together, we created a solution that delivers premium shelf impact, functionality and a packaging design that supports correct disposal after consumption, helping Huel make a strong first impression in an exciting new category.”

Last week, Lithuania-based OMG Bubble Tea moved to Greiner Packaging’s K3 cardboard-plastic cup for its 250ml Bubble Tea range.