In June 2017, Kabuto Noodles began using Greiner Packaging’s K3® cardboard-plastic pot for its noodles range. We talked to Kabuto Noodles founder Crispin Busk, to discover why the business made the change and how the pack’s unique features create a consumer communication opportunity with a feel-good factor.
“Our old noodle pots were made from paper, like a coffee cup, but had a plastic liner,” Crispin said. “When we started using these ‘paper’ cups we thought they were fully recyclable through everyone’s normal household paper recycling. We were upset to discover a while later that this wasn’t the case. There are actually only two recycling centres in the whole of the UK that can separate the plastic liner from the paper, meaning most of the cups – as well as the cups from your local coffee shop – actually ended up in landfill.”
“When we found this out, we were obviously disappointed and decided that we didn’t want to carry on using these ‘paper’ cups. So, we made the decision to move to a new type of packaging that is 100% recyclable. Our new pots are now made with a foil lid, a removable card sleeve and plastic cup that can all be recycled in normal household recycling.”
Working with the Greiner Packaging team at their factory in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, Kabuto Noodles quickly adopted the K3® cardboard-plastic pot for its entire range. The K3® light-weight thermoformed tub is made from polypropylene (PP) and uses up to 33% less material than a conventional direct-printed, thermoformed cup of the same size. It is wrapped with a cardboard outer layer, which can be produced with virgin or recycled board produced from sustainably managed forests, with full FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) chain of custody accreditation.