Deliveroo, Pho, and Sheffield Hallam University Launch Sustainable Packaging Challenge

Deliveroo, in collaboration with Vietnamese restaurant chain Pho and Sheffield Hallam University, has initiated the 2023 Sustainable Packaging Challenge. This competition invites students from the university’s Higher Degree Apprenticeship Packaging Professional program to redesign packaging for Pho’s fresh herbs and chillies, as well as a container to keep rice and curry separate during delivery.

The challenge emphasizes the need for designs that ensure food is delivered hot, fresh, and spill-free, while also prioritizing sustainable innovation. Over the next five months, students will develop prototypes with guidance from industry experts at Deliveroo and Pho. The winning design will be selected at a final exhibition, with the winner receiving a £1,500 cash prize and the opportunity to implement their design in partnership with Pho.

Azucena Gómez, course leader at Sheffield Hallam University, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the opportunity for students to explore innovative solutions and gain insights from industry leaders.

This initiative follows last year’s successful partnership with GAIL’s bakery, where students designed a sustainable cup for transporting hot drinks. Recently, Deliveroo also introduced a takeaway box with a locking mechanism, developed by Sheffield Hallam students, aimed at reducing food waste and plastic use.

The Sustainable Packaging Challenge continues to reflect the growing trend towards sustainable practices in food packaging, aligning with market demands for environmentally friendly solutions.