Greiner Packaging integrates recycled polystyrene into yoghurt cups for notable CO2 savings

AUSTRIA – Greiner Packaging has announced plans to incorporate mechanically recycled polystyrene into its K3 yoghurt cups, achieving a roughly 10% drop in CO2 emissions versus earlier multipack versions. 

The K3 design features a carton exterior primarily from recycled cardboard, allowing straightforward separation from the plastic inner cup to cut down on material use and support targeted recycling streams. 

According to company details, this upgrade introduces recyclate via an ABA multilayer setup, where virgin polystyrene forms the outer and inner layers for protection, and recycled content fills the core without compromising food safety or performance standards.

Production of the enhanced K3 cups will begin at Greiner’s Diepoldsau facility in Switzerland during the first half of 2026, supplying local dairy operations. 

The change aims to embed recycled materials at scale while keeping consumer habits intact.

“With the introduction of K3 cups containing rPS, we are setting a milestone for sustainable packaging in Switzerland,” stated Tobias Strasser, managing director of Greiner Packaging Switzerland.

He added that the effort closes the polystyrene recycling loop in partnership with suppliers, all while upholding rigorous quality controls.

Swiss dairy leader Emmi Group stands ready to adopt the new format. Marc Heim, head of the Switzerland Division at Emmi, noted in a statement that his firm, as a longstanding local player, prioritizes greener packaging options. 

He highlighted how adding recycled content to yoghurt cups advances circular practices in the sector. 

Meanwhile, Elsa Group CEO Matthew Robin described the rPS integration as a key industry step that eases consumer participation in eco-friendly choices and aids broader climate goals.

In parallel developments, INEOS Styrolution recently applied its advanced purification technique to recycle polystyrene for yoghurt cups stocked at Lidl stores. 

This process yields material with properties matching virgin polystyrene, alongside a much smaller environmental impact per cup. 

Separately, packaging firms Coexpan and Eslava Plásticos collaborated to process post-consumer polystyrene from yoghurt waste into approved food-grade products. 

Their method reportedly delivers a lower carbon footprint than alternatives, with the output satisfying strict safety regulations.

For instance, in May 2025, Borealis partnered with Finnish dairy producer Valio to roll out yoghurt lids from recycled polypropylene, designed to comply with upcoming EU packaging rules. 

This initiative processes post-use plastics into high-barrier films, further expanding options for closed-loop systems in food containment.

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