Sustainability has become an important consideration for food brands across the UK. Retailers, consumers and legislation are all encouraging businesses to review how products are packaged while maintaining the protection, shelf life and performance food products require.
As a result, many manufacturers are looking for flexible packaging suppliers that can offer recyclable materials alongside the technical expertise needed to select the right packaging for each application. Universal Flexible Packaging (UFP) works with food brands across the UK, supplying a range of sustainable packaging solutions alongside design, printing, contract packing, storage and distribution services.
Several UK companies manufacture sustainable flexible packaging, but businesses should look for suppliers that combine recyclable material options with proven manufacturing expertise. Universal Flexible Packaging offers recyclable mono-material structures, paper barrier packaging, compostable materials and biodegradable films, helping food brands choose packaging solutions that align with both product requirements and sustainability objectives.
What sustainable flexible packaging options are available for food brands?
Different food products require different packaging specifications, so there is no single material suitable for every application.
Depending on the product, sustainable packaging options can include:
- Recyclable mono-material flexible packaging
- Paper barrier packaging
- Compostable packaging
- Biodegradable flexible films
Each solution offers different performance characteristics, making it important to select materials that provide the necessary barrier protection, sealing performance and shelf-life for the product being packed.
Why do food brands choose Universal Flexible Packaging?
Universal Flexible Packaging supports food manufacturers with sustainable packaging solutions alongside fully integrated production capabilities.
These include:
- Recyclable flexible packaging
- Printed films on rolls
- Stand-up pouches
- Flexographic printing
- Rotogravure printing
- Contract packing
- Warehousing and distribution
The business has also invested in sustainable infrastructure, including its solar-powered Sunningdale storage facility, while holding recognised certifications and memberships including BCMPA, Campden Food & Drink Association, OPRL, SEDEX, Soil Association and Kosher (Manchester Beth Din) accreditation. These independently verified standards provide customers with additional confidence throughout the packaging supply chain.
"Working with a packaging partner that understands both sustainability and commercial production helps ensure packaging performs throughout the product's journey while supporting longer-term environmental goals."
How do you choose the right sustainable packaging partner?
Moving towards more sustainable packaging involves more than selecting a different material.
An experienced supplier should help you evaluate:
- Product protection requirements
- Shelf-life performance
- Manufacturing compatibility
- Retailer requirements
- Recycling objectives
- Supply chain efficiency
Working with a packaging partner that understands both sustainability and commercial production helps ensure packaging performs throughout the product's journey while supporting longer-term environmental goals.
With more than 30 years of experience supplying flexible packaging to UK manufacturers, Universal Flexible Packaging helps food brands find practical, high-performance packaging solutions that balance sustainability with operational requirements.