Sainsbury's develops edible packaging

Sainsbury's is always looking at new ways of packaging foods to provide better, more environmentally friendly alternatives for its customers.

A recent example is our work with technology specialist Stanelco Plc and the development of an edible starch packaging, made solely from natural and biodegradable substances, that is set not only to minimise packaging but also provide Sainsbury's customer with 100% product and no wastage.

This innovation will mean that the potato starch packaging becomes an ingredient along with its contents, be it a dried soup or a three- course meal. In fact the ability to flavour the starch with herbs or spices is a new means by which to enhance product flavour as well as package it. The applications for easily prepared, convenient food are endless - but fundamentally this is an environmental milestone in an area renowned for its wastefulness.

The search for an alternative to gelatine capsules, following the BSE scare, brought starch into the frame as a viable alternative for an edible packaging that would be safe and easy to absorb. The success of starch in this instance highlighted the larger possibilities for food packaging in general.

Terry Robins, Sainsbury's Packaging Innovation Manager, said:

"This offers a great alternative for people who don't want the hassle of preparing a snack or meal, or for those who simply don't have the time. It's also good for those who want a convenient way of taking food to work or, for example, on a camping trip, as it requires little preparation. But its most important feature is that it has none of the problems associated with conventional packaging - no more one-use wrappers that sit in landfills for years before they start to perish."

With edible packaging seeking a shelf presence within the next year Sainsbury's next challenge is to extend the methodologies used into the diverse areas of household packaging!