Just Eat rolls out plastic-free takeaway boxes

This aims to cut plastic in deliveries whilst expanding sustainable packaging options across Europe.

Just Eat Takeaway.com is widening its collaboration with packaging company Huhtamaki to introduce plastic-free takeaway boxes in 10 European markets: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, and Spain.

The rollout follows earlier launches with Lieferando, the company’s brand in Germany and Austria.

The expanded programme will use Xampla’s Morro Coating across Just Eat’s European platform.

Morro Coating was developed by UK materials technology company Xampla, whilst the boxes are manufactured by Huhtamaki.

The coating is made from plant proteins and does not involve chemical modification, offering an alternative to the plastic linings commonly used in takeaway packaging.

According to the companies, the boxes are recyclable, comply with the EU’s Single Use Plastic Directive, and are made from corrugated paper sourced from certified materials.

They are designed to maintain structure and heat retention for a range of foods, including greasy or moist dishes that typically require plastic-lined containers.

The National Physical Laboratory has verified the coating as plastic-free. The packaging can be processed through existing paper recycling streams, which the companies say may help brands meet extended producer responsibility (EPR) requirements across Europe.

Because the coating does not use plastic, the paperboard packaging does not require plastic separation during disposal.

Just Eat said the initiative is part of its broader efforts to reduce plastic use in its delivery operations and expand sustainable packaging options for restaurant partners across Europe.