Finnish dairy brand Valio's caped packaging will be replaced step by step with one-piece caps to comply with the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. The first changes to Valio's packaging will be available in the first half of 2023, with all necessary changes to be completed by the deadline of July 2024.
The EU's goal is to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment, especially on beaches, and to promote a circular economy.
The first step is to ban requirements such as single-use plastic plates, cutlery and straws in July 2021. On July 3, 2024, the scope of the directive was expanded to require the use of tethered, one-piece caps on beverage packaging of up to 3 liters.
This change affects the majority of plastic-lidded liquid product containers with capacities of up to 3 liters for approximately 200 Valio products (such as milk, cream, yogurt, cooking cream, smoothies, porridge and berry soups).
"This change required a great deal of preparation and planning, both internally and with packaging suppliers. This change will help ensure that plastic caps are collected and do not end up in the environment," said Jussi-Pekka Lumme, Valio's packaging development manager. It is estimated that using recycled plastics can reduce the carbon footprint of packaging by 40-60% compared to products made from non-recycled fossil plastics.
Jussi-Pekka Lumme further points out that Valio cap-top milk, yogurt, cream and yogurt products sold in Finland, including their caps, are made from 100% renewable raw materials. The plastic parts of the packaging are not petrochemical-based; they are made from bioethanol, a by-product of the sugar cane industry.
The packaging update will also result in changes to the recycling instructions on milk cartons. Packaging, including caps, must be recycled through carton recycling. The plastic will be separated from the cardboard at the recycling plant. During the recycling process, the carton packaging is soaked, the soaked carton sinks, the plastic rises to the surface, and then the plastic part can be separated.
Valio's goal is that by the end of 2025, all packaging will be recyclable, meaning it can be used to make new products.
