Parkside partners with Alara for compostable muesli packs

Produced in the UK and sold in retailers including Ocado, Wholefoods Markets and Sainsbury’s, the organic muesli range from Alara uses cartonboard outer packaging manufactured from renewable raw materials and is 100 percent recyclable. Parkside has a developed a clear, duplex, home compostable, high barrier paper laminate to replace Alara’s existing petrochemical-based polyester/polyethylene inner liner. The cellulose film laminates are manufactured using bio-based materials that have been sustainably sourced, said Parkside. They are suitable for both home and industrial composting. Once the pack has been used, it can be added to an ordinary garden compost heap or included in local council food waste collections.

The combination of cartonboard outer packaging and Parkside’s compostable liners means that the packs are one of the most sustainable packaging options on the market, it is claimed.

Alara managing director Alex Smith commented: ‘These new liners are officially certified as home compostable in line with our ethical philosophy. Our aim is to always use sustainable and recyclable packaging, so we could not turn down the opportunity to work with Parkside and incorporate its innovative compostable liners into our packs.’

Parkside's compostable laminates are durable and impermeable just like traditional plastic packaging, making them safe to use for food packaging and come in a range of aesthetic options including white, matte, clear, metallized and kraft. The compostable laminates took seven years of research and development and, to date, Parkside has developed 19 accredited home and industrial compostable laminate structures designed to replace traditional plastic packaging.

Phil O’Driscoll, head of innovation and new product development at Parkside, said: ‘Food manufacturers, brands and retailers are seeking packaging solutions which strengthen their green credentials. For Alara, sustainability is a core value of their business and this is reflected in the products they produce and the packaging they use. We are extremely proud to have been able to partner with them and help them to achieve a superb pack solution that is sustainable in every way.’