Coveris, a prominent European packaging producer, will be presenting its range of recyclable cheese packaging at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards and EXPO. This event is scheduled for June 24th and 25th at the Staffordshire County Showground.
As a recognized hub for innovation, leadership, and excellence within the cheese and dairy industry, this gathering serves as a vital platform for collaboration, particularly as evolving regulations are altering packaging standards across the UK and Europe.
With increasing legislation prompting companies to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions, Coveris is committed to innovation in recyclable options that utilize monomaterials and polyolefin structures. These advances aim to assist manufacturers in meeting compliance requirements while ensuring high performance, quality, and packing efficiency.
In anticipation of the UK’s Simpler Recycling deadline, which will establish mandatory kerbside collection for plastic films and bags by March 2027, Coveris has introduced recyclable packaging formats that demonstrate verified shelf-life capabilities across grated, block, and sliced cheese categories. These innovations also align with the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) framework, enhancing recyclability and minimizing packaging impact. Furthermore, they fit within the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which requires all packaging to be recyclable by 2030.
For grated cheese, Coveris’ acclaimed MonoFlexBE pouches are widely used by various UK retailers and brand owners. Constructed from a polyethylene-based laminate, these pouches are recyclable through collection initiatives at store fronts and are prepared for the upcoming kerbside options under Simpler Recycling. They offer exceptional barrier protection and can maintain freshness for up to 120 days, all while reducing plastic consumption and carbon emissions.
In the block cheese sector, the PolyFlex form, fill, seal polyolefin film from Coveris serves as a recyclable substitute for traditional nylon/PE laminates. This solution has proven capable of providing strong barrier protection and shelf-life longevity, while simultaneously delivering environmental advantages due to its lighter material weight and a smaller carbon footprint compared to non-recyclable films.
For sliced cheese applications, Coveris has developed the MonoFlexBE lidding film, which is a peelable, recyclable option that works with various existing base web trays. This compatibility allows producers to smoothly shift toward more sustainable packaging solutions.
Alexandra Burgess, Coveris’ UK Technical Applications Manager for Meat, Fish, Poultry & Dairy, states: “We are proactively addressing the evolving legislative landscape to ensure our packaging is compliant and prepared for future changes. By continuously innovating with monomaterials and polyolefin structures, combined with our expertise in food science, we are well-equipped to assist cheese producers in their transition to recyclable, future-proof packaging, harmonizing sustainability with necessary performance and protection.”
Visitors to the International Cheese & Dairy Awards and EXPO are encouraged to stop by the Coveris booth to learn more about how these recyclable solutions can facilitate their transition to compliant packaging while meeting the needs of contemporary cheese supply chains.
