Coveris, a European packaging manufacturer, is presenting its portfolio of cheese packaging designed for recycling at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards and EXPO. The event combines a competition and exhibition format and serves as a meeting place for the cheese and dairy industry around innovation, leadership and quality. For packaging suppliers, it is also an opportunity to present solutions addressing changing legal requirements in the UK and Europe. Coveris indicates that the development of its offering is focused on recyclable solutions based on monomaterial and polyolefin structures. The aim of this work is to support food manufacturers in transitioning to packaging that complies with regulations while maintaining functional performance, quality and packing efficiency.
The company points out that legislative changes are increasingly influencing the choice of packaging formats. In the UK, the upcoming Simpler Recycling deadline is significant, as by March 2027 it is to introduce mandatory kerbside collection of plastic films and bags. According to Coveris, the recycle-ready packaging formats developed by the company have been validated in terms of product shelf life in grated, block and sliced cheese categories. These solutions are also intended to support the requirements of the UK's extended producer responsibility system, pEPR, by improving recyclability and reducing packaging impact on the environment. The company also emphasises that its development direction is aligned with the EU's PPWR regulation, under which all packaging must be recyclable by 2030.
Solutions for different cheese formats
In the grated cheese segment, Coveris is presenting its award-winning MonoFlexBE pouches. They are already used by several UK retailers and brand owners. These packages use a polyethylene-based, PE, laminate structure and can be collected through in-store collection schemes. According to the company, they are also ready for future kerbside collection under Simpler Recycling. The manufacturer states that they provide high barrier performance and shelf life of up to 120 days, as well as significant reductions in plastic use and carbon dioxide emissions.
For block cheese, the company is developing PolyFlex film for form-fill-seal processes. This material has been designed as recycle-ready packaging and as an alternative to traditional nylon/PE laminates. Coveris reports that the solution has been validated in terms of barrier properties and product shelf-life protection. At the same time, it is expected to provide environmental benefits through lower material weight and a lower carbon footprint compared with non-recyclable films.
For sliced cheese, Coveris offers MonoFlexBE lidding film. It is a peelable, recycle-ready solution compatible with various existing base web trays. This is intended to enable producers to transition more efficiently to more sustainable packaging formats without the need for a complete change of existing packing set-ups.
Regulatory impact on packaging development
Alexandra Burgess, technical applications manager at Coveris UK for meat, fish, poultry and dairy, said: "We are taking a proactive approach to the changing legislative landscape, making sure our packaging solutions are compliant and ready for what comes next. By continuing to develop monomaterial and polyolefin structures, alongside our technical expertise and food science capabilities, we are well placed to support cheese producers as they transition to recyclable, future-ready packaging, balancing sustainability with the required performance and product protection."
Visitors to the International Cheese & Dairy Awards and EXPO can learn how Coveris solutions are intended to support the transition to packaging compliant with legal requirements while maintaining the parameters expected in modern cheese supply chains.
