Just Eat Takeaway.com, one of the world’s largest online food delivery platforms, is taking a bold step towards sustainability with the introduction of plastic-free packaging across 10 European markets. In collaboration with sustainable packaging provider Huhtamaki and UK-based materials technology company Xampla, Just Eat is rolling out takeaway food boxes coated with plant protein, marking a significant innovation in the food delivery sector.

The plant protein-based Morro Coating, developed by Xampla, is a natural, plastic-free alternative to the plastic coatings traditionally used in takeaway packaging. This technology is fully recyclable and complies with the EU’s Single Use Plastics Directive, offering a high-performance, sustainable solution for food delivery boxes. The packaging will be introduced in 10 European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, and Spain.

According to Alexandra French, CEO of Xampla, this initiative is a direct response to the fast-moving regulatory landscape in Europe. “There is real regulatory clarity across these markets, strong environmental ambition, and a willingness to adopt new materials when they work,” she stated. Xampla’s Morro Coating technology is designed to be a direct replacement for plastic coatings, helping to reduce plastic waste and its negative environmental impact.

The boxes themselves are made from sustainably sourced corrugated paper, ensuring rigidity and heat retention for a wide variety of dishes, including greasy or moist foods, which often pose a challenge for traditional plastic-free alternatives. Additionally, the coating has been verified as plastic-free by the National Physical Laboratory, making it the first of its kind to receive such an accreditation.

Just Eat’s initiative is part of a larger effort to support restaurant partners in transitioning to more sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics. With the new packaging, restaurant partners will have the option to choose plastic-free containers that are fully recyclable, supporting their sustainability goals while complying with European regulations.

By introducing this new packaging, Just Eat is also addressing the growing issue of plastic pollution. According to Xampla, global plastic waste production reaches approximately 400 million tonnes annually, with one-third of it originating from the food and beverage sector. With this move, Just Eat hopes to mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste in the on-demand delivery industry, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

“We’re excited to be partnering with innovative companies that share our vision of eliminating single-use plastic waste,” said a spokesperson for Just Eat. “This expansion marks a significant milestone in accelerating the adoption of plastic-free packaging across the on-demand delivery industry, which is vital for creating long-term environmental value.”