Nairn’s sustainability efforts in recipe and packaging
Nairn's, the Scottish oatcake maker, is using its 130th anniversary to highlight steady progress on packaging and sourcing standards. The company has moved several product lines to recyclable films and trays, replaced non-recyclable formats where technically possible, and maintained certified sustainable palm oil across its branded range. However, some packs still rely on materials that require in-store collection rather than kerbside recycling. For UK food manufacturers balancing shelf life, cost control, and environmental accountability, the story offers a practical case study in gradual material transition.
The challenge facing Nairn's is common across the sector. High-barrier packaging protects product quality and reduces waste from spoilage. Switching to more recyclable alternatives often means reworking supplier relationships, testing new materials for performance, and managing costs without compromising food safety. Consequently, the shift is rarely a simple swap. It requires investment, testing, and a pragmatic timeline.
Material changes and recycling infrastructure limitations
Nairn's has replaced mixed laminate films with polyethylene alternatives on several product lines. The company states that it moved porridge packaging from OPP/PE laminate to PE/PE film. In addition, it replaced black plastic trays used for Mini Oatcakes with clear recyclable versions. These changes improve end-of-life recyclability, though collection infrastructure varies significantly across the UK.
As of January 2022, the company's clear pouches and printed films became recyclable through larger supermarket collection points that accept carrier-bag-type plastic. This means consumers cannot recycle these packs at kerbside. They must return them to participating stores. Not all retailers offer this service, and consumer awareness remains patchy. Therefore, actual recycling rates depend on shopper behaviour and local retail provision, not just material choice.
Cartons and outer cases perform better in existing waste systems. Nairn's reports that these are fully recyclable at kerbside. Cases contain at least 75% recycled content, with around 90% made entirely from recycled board. This aligns with established fibre recovery systems already operating across UK councils. As a result, these formats face fewer practical barriers to circular recovery.
The company is actively searching for alternatives to remaining oriented polypropylene packaging. OPP offers excellent moisture and oxygen barriers, which are critical for maintaining product freshness. However, it is not widely recyclable in household collections. Finding a substitute that matches performance, cost, and processing compatibility takes time. Nairn's has not published a deadline for phasing out OPP, suggesting the search continues.
Certified palm oil and supply chain transparency
Nairn's sources 100% RSPO-certified palm oil for branded products through a segregated supply chain. This means certified palm fruit oil is kept separate from non-certified material throughout processing and transport. The approach provides stronger traceability than mass balance certification, where certified and non-certified oils are mixed but tracked on paper.
The company appears on WWF's global palm oil scorecard, which assesses corporate sourcing policies and performance. This recognition indicates third-party validation of its commitment. For businesses tendering for public sector contracts or responding to retailer sustainability questionnaires, documented certification and external validation of this kind increasingly matter. Supply chain due diligence is now a standard tender requirement under frameworks such as PPN 06/21 for central government suppliers.
Moreover, certified sourcing supports risk management. Palm oil remains controversial due to deforestation and biodiversity loss in producer regions. Using certified material does not eliminate all environmental impact, but it does reduce reputational exposure and aligns with voluntary commitments many UK retailers and public bodies now expect from suppliers.
Operational carbon and waste performance
Nairn's reports that it purchases 100% renewable electricity and sends zero waste to landfill. Both claims are verifiable operational metrics that feed into carbon accounting and environmental reporting. Renewable electricity procurement reduces Scope 2 emissions under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Meanwhile, diverting waste from landfill lowers methane emissions and aligns with Scotland's circular economy strategy.
The company is working with Zero Waste Scotland to develop a net-zero roadmap. Zero Waste Scotland is a publicly funded body supporting businesses with carbon reduction planning, circular economy transitions, and resource efficiency. Engagement with this organisation suggests Nairn's is building a structured decarbonisation plan rather than relying solely on offsetting or aspirational statements.
For food manufacturers, operational carbon footprint often extends beyond direct energy use. Scope 3 emissions, including raw materials, packaging production, transport, and end-of-life disposal, typically represent the largest share of total impact. A credible net-zero strategy must address these indirect emissions. Nairn's has not published detailed Scope 3 data, so the scope and ambition of its roadmap remain unclear from publicly available information.
Commercial context and brand positioning
Nairn's is marking its 130th year with a limited-edition Rough Oatcakes pack and continued emphasis on recipe heritage. The anniversary serves as a marketing opportunity to reinforce brand identity while showcasing modernisation efforts. Heritage brands face a particular challenge: maintaining authenticity while demonstrating contemporary environmental responsibility. Packaging updates and sustainability messaging allow Nairn's to bridge that gap.
The company positions product simplicity and ingredient quality as central to its identity. This narrative aligns with consumer expectations around transparency and clean labelling. Sustainability messaging is presented as an extension of that philosophy rather than a separate initiative. Consequently, environmental improvements become part of the brand promise, not an add-on.
Nairn's is growing in both domestic and international markets, according to coverage in Packaging News published in September 2026. Export growth brings additional sustainability scrutiny. European retailers, in particular, often impose strict requirements around packaging recyclability, carbon footprinting, and supply chain transparency. Meeting these standards can determine market access. Therefore, sustainability becomes a commercial enabler, not just a compliance issue.
Summary of key developments
- Nairn's has replaced mixed laminate films with polyethylene alternatives and swapped black plastic trays for recyclable clear versions across several product lines.
- Clear pouches and printed films are recyclable at large supermarkets with carrier-bag collection schemes, but not at kerbside, limiting consumer access to recovery systems.
- All branded products use 100% RSPO-certified palm oil sourced through segregated supply chains, with third-party recognition from WWF's palm oil scorecard.
- The company purchases renewable electricity, sends no waste to landfill, and is developing a net-zero roadmap with Zero Waste Scotland.
- Cartons and cases are kerbside recyclable, with cases containing at least 75% recycled content and around 90% made from fully recycled board.
- Nairn's continues to search for alternatives to oriented polypropylene packaging, acknowledging technical and performance constraints.
What this means for food manufacturers
Nairn's demonstrates a measured approach to packaging transition. The company has made progress where material substitutes are technically viable and commercially feasible. However, it acknowledges that some formats remain dependent on limited recycling infrastructure. This reflects a broader industry reality: packaging innovation outpaces collection system development.
For SME food manufacturers, the lesson is that packaging sustainability is not a single project with a fixed endpoint. It requires ongoing assessment of material options, supplier capabilities, and infrastructure availability. Switching to recyclable films may reduce environmental impact, but if consumers cannot easily recycle the material, the benefit is theoretical. Therefore, communication and consumer education become part of the solution.
Certified sourcing, renewable energy, and waste diversion are more straightforward wins. These actions deliver measurable reductions in environmental impact and align with established reporting frameworks. Businesses preparing for mandatory carbon reporting, responding to public sector tenders, or meeting retailer sustainability standards should prioritise verifiable operational improvements alongside packaging work.
Nairn's collaboration with Zero Waste Scotland illustrates the value of external support. Public bodies, industry groups, and sustainability consultancies can provide tools, frameworks, and technical expertise that smaller businesses may lack internally. For companies without dedicated sustainability teams, accessing compliance support for carbon reporting and environmental standards can accelerate progress and reduce risk.
The link between brand heritage and sustainability messaging is also instructive. Nairn's uses its 130th anniversary to reinforce both tradition and modernisation. Smaller brands can adopt a similar approach, framing sustainability improvements as an evolution of core values rather than a departure from identity. This narrative reduces the risk of greenwashing accusations and builds consumer trust.
Practical considerations for businesses
Food manufacturers reviewing their own packaging strategies should start with a material audit. Identify which formats are currently recyclable at kerbside, which require store take-back, and which have no viable end-of-life route. This audit provides a baseline for prioritising changes. High-volume, low-barrier products such as outer cartons may offer quicker wins than shelf-stable items requiring complex laminates.
Engage suppliers early in the process. Material substitution often requires reformulation, new tooling, or adjusted processing conditions. Suppliers may have alternative materials already in development or access to trial programmes. However, testing timelines can extend across months or years, particularly for products with long shelf lives. Consequently, planning horizons must account for technical validation, not just procurement lead times.
Consider the infrastructure landscape. Recyclability is not binary. A material may be technically recyclable but lack collection systems in most UK regions. Therefore, businesses should assess both material properties and practical recovery routes. Resources such as Recycle Now and WRAP guidance offer data on collection coverage and consumer access across local authorities.
For companies using palm oil, certification is increasingly non-negotiable. Retailers, public sector buyers, and NGO scorecards all monitor sourcing policies. RSPO certification provides a recognised standard, though levels of assurance vary. Segregated supply chains offer stronger traceability than mass balance or book-and-claim models. Businesses should evaluate certification options based on their risk exposure, customer expectations, and budget constraints.
Carbon footprinting and net-zero planning are moving from voluntary initiatives to baseline expectations. Public sector suppliers must demonstrate carbon reduction plans to meet procurement criteria. Retailers are setting supplier emissions targets. Financial institutions are incorporating climate risk into lending decisions. Therefore, developing a credible decarbonisation strategy is becoming a commercial necessity. Support programmes such as the SBS net-zero program can help businesses structure carbon reporting, set science-based targets, and identify cost-effective reduction measures.
Communication matters as much as action. Sustainability claims must be specific, verifiable, and proportionate. Avoid vague language such as "eco-friendly" or "green." Instead, state what has changed, why it matters, and what remains to be done. Nairn's approach, acknowledging both progress and limitations, reduces greenwashing risk and builds credibility. Businesses should adopt a similar tone, particularly in public-facing communications and tender responses.
Regulatory and market trends
The UK government has signalled intentions to introduce Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging, which will shift disposal costs to producers based on material type and recyclability. Consequently, businesses using hard-to-recycle formats may face higher fees. Planning for material transitions now can reduce future cost exposure and regulatory risk.
Scotland's Circular Economy Bill and England's Environment Act both include provisions affecting waste management, resource use, and producer responsibility. These frameworks will shape operational requirements across the next decade. Businesses operating in multiple UK regions must navigate diverging policy timelines and enforcement regimes. Therefore, monitoring legislative developments and engaging with industry bodies becomes essential.
Retailers are tightening sustainability requirements for suppliers. Many now require carbon footprint data, packaging recyclability information, and evidence of ethical sourcing. Failure to meet these standards can result in delisting or exclusion from new product listings. Consequently, sustainability performance directly affects market access and revenue potential.
Consumer expectations continue to evolve. Research consistently shows that UK shoppers prefer brands demonstrating environmental responsibility, though price sensitivity and convenience remain dominant purchase drivers. Businesses must balance sustainability investment with cost control. Incremental improvements, clearly communicated, often perform better than ambitious claims unsupported by evidence.
Where to find further guidance
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs publishes guidance on packaging regulations, waste policy, and environmental standards. Businesses should monitor Defra announcements for updates on Extended Producer Responsibility and forthcoming legislative changes.
Zero Waste Scotland offers tools, case studies, and support programmes for businesses across all sectors. Their resources include carbon footprinting guidance, circular economy toolkits, and sector-specific advice. Many programmes are free or subsidised for eligible businesses.
WRAP provides detailed technical guidance on packaging design, material selection, and recyclability testing. Their Plastic Pact commitments and roadmaps offer benchmarks for businesses setting their own targets. WRAP also publishes data on collection infrastructure and material recovery rates across UK regions.
The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil maintains a public database of certified suppliers and produces guidance for businesses sourcing palm oil. Their website includes supply chain maps, certification standards, and annual progress reports from member companies.
For businesses seeking structured support with carbon reporting, compliance frameworks, or sustainable procurement, the SBS net-zero hub provides resources tailored to UK SMEs navigating environmental regulation and market expectations.