Coop and Emmi introduces PET bottles for dairy products, M&S opts for recyclable paper packaging for sandwiches and toasties

SWITZERLAND – Coop Group and Swiss dairy products manufacturer Emmi have transitioned selected milk and cream offerings to innovative sustainable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

These white PET bottles not only ensure optimal product safeguarding and taste consistency but presently stand as the sole form of plastic food packaging in Switzerland eligible for closed-cycle recycling.

The shift to PET bottles signifies a substantial stride towards sustainability for both companies, aiming to achieve a 25% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, according to a Carbotech study.

This packaging innovation is currently accessible for Coop’s proprietary products and numerous Emmi-branded selections, encompassing Emmi’s Energy Milk High Protein and Comella Choco Drink.

By the conclusion of February 2024, Coop’s organic Naturaplan brand anticipates offering various ultra-high-temperature milk products in these PET bottles.

Marc Heim, Head of Emmi Swiss Division, remarked, “Dairy products in PET bottles represent another inventive and recyclable packaging solution aligned with our ambitious sustainability objectives.

“Through collaboration with our partners and PET-Recycling Schweiz, we can amass materials nationwide and repurpose them as packaging for dairy products.”

For Coop, the transition to PET for its milk and dairy products is part of a wider initiative to introduce eco-friendly packaging for all proprietary products.

Both PET and recycled PET play pivotal roles in Coop’s strategy to curtail material requisites and institute closed cycles.

Since 2012, Coop asserts that it has effectively reduced or optimized 36,000 tons of packaging materials, contributing significantly to resource conservation.

M&S debuts recyclable paper packaging for sandwiches and toasties

In a parallel development, the UK-based retail company Marks & Spencer (M&S) has introduced recyclable paper packaging for its M&S Café sandwiches and toasties across the UK.

This initiative aligns with M&S’ Plan A, aiming to eliminate one billion units of plastic packaging by 2027 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.

The transition is anticipated to eliminate around 4.5 million units of plastic from over 300 M&S Café outlets nationwide.

The recyclable packaging, endorsed by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), features a small window for product visibility and is designed for easy recycling within paper waste streams.

This change reduces plastic usage by 79% without compromising on quality or customer selection, according to the retailer.

Lucinda Langton, Head of Sustainability at M&S Food, expressed, “Our sandwiches and toasties in M&S Cafés are particularly popular options as customers look to sit down and relax when shopping with us.

“With a brand-new menu for 2024, came an opportunity to innovate in our packaging – removing and reducing unnecessary plastic, to lower our impact on the planet.

“We know plastic is an issue our customers care deeply about, and this small change to packaging in our Café’s – with no compromise on quality or taste – will make a big impact on our Plan A roadmap to net-zero.”

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