Single use recyclable food-to-go plastic packaging
Our range of single use, fully recyclable food-to-go packaging is not affected by any single use plastic (SUP) bans, keeps food piping hot and is microwaveable
kp Infinity® is our range of single use recyclable food-to-go packaging which includes Hotpacs®, trays for Top Seal and catering trays. They are all made from extruded polypropylene (EPP)* and are fully recyclable.
kp Infinity® is an easy-to-use option for the needs of fast-paced takeaway food. The packs are resistant to alkalis and hot oils, which minimises the risk of leakages.
kp Infinity® keeps hot food piping hot, and cool food refreshingly chilled. Heat testing shows that kp Infinity® keeps food 10°C warmer than either carton board or bagasse packaging and remains cool to the touch.
One if its key advantages is that kp Infinity® is microwave friendly; food can be reheated and enjoyed with minimal fuss and mess. What’s more, with a traditional artisanal look and feel, kp Infinity® also looks great.
The single use food-to-go plastic packaging ban
Key legislation and regulatory changes are impacting the packaging industry, as well as the sectors that it serves. One of the most prominent for the foodservice industry was introduced as an EU directive acting against plastic pollution. From 3 July 2021, single use plastic plates, cutlery, straws, balloon sticks and cotton buds could no longer be placed on the markets of the EU Member States. In addition, the same measure applied to cups, food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, and all products made of oxo-degradable plastic.
Directive - 2019/904 - EN - SUP Directive - EUR-Lex (europa.eu)
EU restrictions on certain single-use plastics - European Commission (europa.eu)
All kp Infinity® packs are made from extruded polypropylene (EPP)* and are fully recyclable. They provide a suitable alternative to the banned packs as they are recyclable and compatible with current recycling streams.
EU directives need to be incorporated into Member States’ national legislation. Each directive contained a deadline for transposition. Link
kp monitors implementation of the directive and can share that the ban has been fully transposed into national law in many member states including France, Spain and the Netherlands. Whilst the UK is not a member of the EU, the government has likewise introduced legislation banning single use food-to-go containers made from polystyrene and lots of other things like cotton buds and plastic cutlery.
This means that in all EU Member States and the UK, it is illegal to sell the banned XPS and EPS polystyrene containers for single use.
Offenders, whether they are wholesalers or food-to-go vendors can be fined for breaking the law. For example, in Scotland, some vendors even had to pay fines of £5000/€5800 for using them after the ban came into force.
kp Infinity® is fully recyclable and has many other benefits compared to the alternatives including being microwavable.
In some countries such as Germany and Poland, single use food-to-go containers made of expanded polystyrene have been banned. Link
However, due to lack of precision in the law, extruded polystyrene (XPS) containers are still present in the market. Although technically recyclable, these XPS containers are NOT yet widely recycled in the majority of EU members states.
Communication about the benefits of kp Infinity® and the SUP ban
We’ve been communicating directly to food vendors in the UK about the ban and why kp Infinity® is the perfect choice since June 2023. We regularly communicate on TikTok and have 10 000 followers. You can discover our profile page and sketches here:
kp Infinity® (@kp.infinity) | TikTok
*Also known as expanded polypropylene
Fully recyclable
High-quality plastic packaging that is easily and commercially recycled across the recycling process into a range of items, including other packaging, furniture and flooring.
Keeps food hotter for longer
Exceptional insulating properties, keeping food hotter for longer – by more than 10°C compared with alternative packaging solutions. It has a low heat transfer rate, retaining heat inside the packaging while keeping the outside cool to the touch.
Microwaveable
Allows food in pack to be reheated while maintaining food safety and protection.
Water-resistant
With superb natural moisture-resistance and waterproof attributes, kp Infinity® is the perfect safe and hygienic choice for packaging protection of hot or cold food. There are no extra coatings or additives required to keep the package stable and robust and to maintain food quality.
Acids, alkalis and hot oil resistant
kp Infinity® offers best in class for resistance to acids, alkalis and hot oils found in many foods and sauces. This quality helps food retain heat and also cuts down the risk of leakage and odour transfer.
Lightweight and durable
Lightweight compared to alternative materials while maintaining durability with the added benefit of a lower carbon footprint.
We worked closely with several experts, rigorously testing and trialling kp Infinity® to ensure its safety, efficiency and quality. Here are the ‘at-a-glance’ findings.
Request a sales call if you’d like to know more.
| Properties | kp Infinity® | Bagasse | Carton board | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fully recyclable | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Water Resistant | Excellent | Poor | Ok | Excellent |
| Resistant to acids & alkalis | Excellent | Poor | Ok | Excellent |
| Lightweight | Good | Poor | Ok | Excellect |
| Thermal protection | Excellent | Poor | Poor | Excellent |
| Resistant to hot oil | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Mircowaveable | Yes | No | No | No |
| Contains recyclate | No | No | No | No |
| Virgin material | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Why choose kp Infinity®
kp Infinity® is a fully recyclable range of mono material single use food-to-go packaging compatible with existing PP recycling infrastructure and produced with a focus on reduced carbon footprint.
kp Infinity® features easy-to-read 'Recycle me' messaging, encouraging responsible disposal and helping consumers take action. Preserving product integrity and quality, its water-resistance and durability ensure that it maintains food hygiene and safety.
Where can I get kp Infinity® from?
We deal with all the key distributors in Europe, so there is sure to be a supplier for kp Infinity® in your local area.
Where is kp Infinity® made?
The trays and Hotpacs® are made in the UK at our manufacturing site in St Helens, Merseyside and at our Polish site in Bukowice.
kp manufacturing St Helens, Merseyside, UK
Customer Testimonials
Abdul Pandour, Caterchoice, Bradford
"When I am delivering kp Infinity®, my customers are very happy; quality is very important to them."
Ben Newman, Spudman, Tamworth
"Absolutely love kp! The product is great, the people are great, keep up the good work guys!"
Claire Iverson, Munchbox, Featherstone
"kp Infinity® is great for our delivery service and keeps food hotter for longer."
Craig Copley, Farmer Copleys, Featherstone
"Sustainability and strength is key for butchers and kp Infinity® never lets me down"
Daniel Wood, Morrisons, Hull
"We use kp Infinity® for our fresh cuts; customers love it!."
Danny Poulter, Clacky Ds, Great Harwood, Lancashire
"Infinity is the best material in the market right now!."
Jake and Harley, Spudbros, Preston
"Spudbros spuds are piping hot - so kp Infinity® being cool to touch is a great feature that is good for our customers."
Jamie, The Spud Squad, Featherstone
"We use kp Infinity® because our customers like us to use sustainable packaging. The trays being fully recyclable is key for us."
Jinj Bhandal, ICS, Birmingham
"The branded kp Infinity® bags have had massive impact and brightened up our Cash n Carry’s"
Jordan Edwards, JJs Ice Cream, St Helens
"Keeps ice cream trays colder for longer, perfect with summer around the corner."
Luke Wilson, Bunzl, Epsom
"At Bunzl, we truly value and support UK manufacturing."
Mario Forgoni, Michaels Fish n Chips, Daventry, Northants
"Our dad used LINPAC for years - now we proudly use kp Infinity® as it is great for portion control."
kp Infinity® Top Seal Newells
When food retailers aim to balance quality, convenience and sustainability, finding the right packaging solution can be a significant challenge. For Northern Ireland's Newell Stores, the search for packaging that could meet these demands, while staying ahead of evolving regulations, led the retailer to a market-first launch of kp Infinity® Top Seal.