University partnership launches only certified British wool insulated packaging

(Image: Puffin Packaging/Lloyd Almond)

A partnership between academics, a Yorkshire packaging firm and the national wool organisation has resulted in the launch of a new sustainable packaging liner – the only one of its type certified by British Wool.

The collaboration between The University of Huddersfield, Puffin Packaging and the Bradford-based former British Wool Marketing Board began in February 2023.

Leeds-based Puffin Packaging manufactures versatile temperate insulating packaging as a cost effective, sustainable alternative to polystyrene.

The University and Puffin Packaging teamed up to establish a two-year partnership to develop more environmentally friendly, efficient packaging solutions through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

KTPs are government-funded programmes aimed at helping UK businesses improve competitiveness, production and performance, part-funded through Innovate UK. The programme involves a collaboration between an organisation, nominated academic mentors from the University and a recent graduate.

One year into the KTP, Puffin Packaging has launched its first new product under the pioneering collaboration – a pure British wool packaging liner. Using a blend of wool from Swaledale and Welsh Mountain sheep, it is the only certified 100% British Wool cold chain insulated packaging product in the world.

The decision to utilise British wool was driven by a desire to find sustainable uses for the material while supporting local farmers and preserving the tradition of British agriculture. Two fresh food delivery companies will be trialling the new British wool insulated liners over the next few months.

The cross-disciplinary project involves working with the University of Huddersfield’s Technical Textiles Research Centre (TTRC). The partnership with the University will ensure that solutions are underpinned with academic credibility, giving the business a competitive edge.

Dr William Turner was appointed as KTP Associate to the project, alongside academic lead Professor Parik Goswami, Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange at The University of Huddersfield and director of the University’s TTRC; and academic supervisor Dr Thanos Angelis-Dimakis, reader in Chemical Engineering from the University’s School of Applied Sciences.

Professor Goswami commented: “The founding principle of TTRC is to work with the fibre ecosystem to create opportunities and genuine impact for our stakeholders through innovative research. This is an example where the University of Huddersfield, a local company Puffin Packaging, and British Wool (formerly British Wool Marketing Board), owned by approximately 35,000 sheep farmers in the UK, are working together to develop products that will benefit all the stakeholders in the supply chain and the consumers—an excellent example of local manufacturing to solve contemporary global challenges through academic intervention.”

The objective of the partnership is to develop Puffin Packaging’s product range, concentrating on sustainable results, and improving performance, ultimately leading to innovative solutions and growth for Puffin Packaging. The project consists of identifying, testing, and assessing thermally effective packaging solutions, which can be developed and scaled-up.

Yannis Archbold, co-founder of Puffin Packaging, added: “Together we have made significant understanding around the science of thermally insulated packaging. Applying this knowledge with the expertise between us, we have been able to produce a product that uses British wool, which has a far reduced environmental impact while at the same time being economically viable, which we hope will be of great benefit to both the UK farmers and customers who wish to support UK farmers. We are very excited with the developments and hope to continue in our collaboration to deliver even more.”

In total, three product lines are being created, one which explores the development of an existing product, to significantly reduce the use of unnecessary materials whilst maintaining its functionality. The second concentrates on the development of a high performance packaging solution, and the third is the 100% British Wool liner that has just been launched.

Andrew Hogley, CEO of British Wool, commented: “We are always looking for new innovative uses for our wool and this type of development opens new markets. This increases demand for British wool and supports the returns we are able to make to our farmer members.”