In yet another data point on the trend line toward mono-material substrates designed to be more easily recyclable, Swedish sustainable dairy co-op Skånemejerier rolled out a mono-material polypropylene (PP) pack for leading Swedish supermarket ICA’s own brand of Hushållsost cheese. The new pack comprises a mono-material base web and lidding film, all of which is produced and printed by supplier Mondi before being converted for 1-kg and 2-kg blocks of cheese by Skånemejerier.
The mono-material solution provides high barriers against oxygen and water vapor, keeping the product fresh on the supermarket shelf. It also protects the cheese with high puncture resistance. And great printability allows the brand and recycling messages to be communicated well on-pack, the company says.
“Our collaboration with Mondi has been a thorough process. We started our first test and trials in 2019 and are delighted to be bringing this fully recyclable packaging to market before the end of 2023,” says Ingemar Jönsson, packaging manager at Skånemejerier. “The great working relationship we had, meant that we were able to adapt materials and machinery efficiently, resulting in a successful, fit for purpose solution. We have strong, effective and good-looking packaging that keeps materials in the loop and responds to consumer demands for more sustainable solutions.”