I am particularly proud of launching plastic free cups and manufacturing and launching our first fully home compostable napkins.

Our plastic free and fully home recyclable party cups are an industry first, and our Sourcing and Technical team worked very closely with our factory partner throughout the testing stages to ensure product functionality.

The home compostable napkin license was something we worked with our factory partner for 18 months, so again it has been great to see a successful result here.

In our new SS21 range Birthday Brights range we have been able to implement both of these new innovations, as well as plastic free packaging throughout the range.

Allowing our customers to enjoy everyday celebrations, safe in the knowledge TT has considered the environmental impact of the product.

What challenges have we faced this year in working towards this goal? Has Covid had an impact?

As with any innovations there are often challenges you face beyond your control. I would say COVID took this to an new extreme.

As well as our partner factories we were working alongside testing laboratories, material manufacturers and license bodies. Many were EU and UK based, and therefore  faced lockdowns, factory closures, and reduced capacity.

It was important to work closely with all of these areas to support each other through the challenges we faced. Communication, and regular zoom meetings were key.

In any other year Talking Tables would be on the ground working alongside our factories to problem solve. With the travel restrictions this has not been possible. Again we adapted through video conference calls, and live production videos to resolve issues.

What role do supermarkets have to play in this change?

Talking Tables has a close relationship with several UK grocery supermarkets, many of which are driving forward their own eco and sustainability focuses.

It is clear that the supermarket sector can have the biggest impact in driving through change given their buying power and scale.

It has therefore been very important for Talking Tables to ensure we align our focuses to our key customers, and implement changes to our product and packaging offering accordingly.

We have successfully launched plastic free cups and home compostable napkins with our grocery partners.