BioPak is proud to participate in initiatives that champion innovation and circular economy. Most recently, we supported a project organised by Deliveroo that showcased the creative and sustainable solutions of Sheffield Hallam University students. This initiative aimed to address key challenges in the food delivery industry, and two standout students, William Shaw and Josephine Cooper, rose to the occasion by winning the competition with their innovative packaging design.
Learn More About Sheffield Hallam University's Packaging Professional Program
Finding Solutions to Improve Sustainability in Food Delivery
The project was organised by Deliveroo, with BioPak providing key support, showcasing our commitment to finding solutions that are not only sustainable, but also address key functional and cost objectives. The competition tasked students with developing sustainable packaging concepts that prevent spillages, maintain food at the right temperature, and are cost-effective for restaurants.
The winning entry was selected by judges for its ability to adapt an existing BioPak rectangular box with innovative and creative updates such as a new sealing system, using additional folds in the cardboard. The students complimented the box with another existing BioPak product, a PLA-lined carton board lid made from BioBoard material. Judges determined that this concept could be produced without significant extra costs, making it a competitive packaging solution for restaurants, and therefore suitable for immediate production discussions.
William Shaw and Josephine Cooper, winners of the Deliveroo and Sheffield Hallam University Sustainable Packaging challenge, said: “The Deliveroo and BioPak packaging competition has been challenging and rewarding in equal measure, and we’re thrilled our design was chosen as the winning entry. We are looking forward to entering production discussions with BioPak, and hope that our design can make a positive impact on sustainability across the food industry.”
Practical Solutions and Industry Collaboration
The students had four months to develop their prototypes, and four entries were ultimately presented at an exhibition on the University campus on 25 September 2024. Representatives from leading Sheffield restaurants, including Slap and Pickle, Urban Choola, and David Chan, owner of Noodle Inn, Noodle Centro, and Mr. Miyagi Sushi, attended the event to evaluate the prototypes.
William Shaw and Josephine Cooper's winning design not only impressed the judges but also demonstrated that innovative compostable packaging is a viable solution for the food service industry. Their use of BioPak's materials underscored the importance of responsibly sourced, rapidly renewable resources, creating a product that is better for people, businesses, and the planet.
Other notable entries included a unique packaging solution from a student who drew on her experience working in a Chinese restaurant to design an interconnected set of boxes, allowing different parts of an order to sit in separate sections, all securely connected. Another team of three students developed a labelling system that provided clearer instructions and information for both customers and riders on how to handle the food.
Production Discussions and Insights from Experts
As part of their prize, William and Josephine received £1,000 and are now entering exclusive discussions with BioPak to bring their innovative design into production. The goal is to make this packaging solution available for restaurants to purchase via Deliveroo’s packaging webstore. By working with these bright students, BioPak continues to showcase its dedication to education and innovation that align with our mission of a world without waste and protecting the planet for future generations
Jen Bagshaw, Head of Packaging at Deliveroo, shared her excitement about the project, stating, “We’re always looking for new and innovative solutions to big challenges, and that’s why we’re so incredibly excited to partner with these talented students in Sheffield Hallam to support the next generation of packaging design that really puts sustainability at its heart.”
BioPak’s Technical Director, Sam Walker, echoed this sentiment, noting, “As Deliveroo's packaging partner for almost 10 years, we understand the challenges restaurants face in finding responsible and functional packaging. Seeing Sheffield Hallam's students identify the same issues but tackle them from a fresh perspective has been incredibly inspiring.”
Peter Macqueen, Associate Head of the Sheffield Creative Industries Institute, expressed pride in the students' achievements, adding, “We’re incredibly proud of the efforts of all our apprentices who have been involved. Seeing them extend the application of their studies to tackle a challenge in the hospitality sector has been fantastic and I’m looking forward to seeing how Deliveroo and BioPak can work with the successful winners Will and Josephine to hopefully bring their prototype to market in the future.”
Deliveroo’s Commitment to Supporting Sustainable Packaging
Deliveroo’s efforts in supporting restaurants as they transition to sustainable packaging have been bolstered by a £2.5 million packaging fund announced in 2022, which subsidises the cost of all certified home and industrial compostable packaging items from Deliveroo’s packaging store. This initiative reflects Deliveroo’s commitment to helping its restaurant partners make greener choices while staying competitive in the market.
The partnership between BioPak, Deliveroo, and Sheffield Hallam University students exemplifies how collaboration can drive positive change. Innovative, practical, and scalable solutions are emerging to support a better future for the planet and the food service industry.