In 2023, as part of its voluntary Green Deal commitment, Valio pledged to reduce the amount of plastic used in single-serve packaging by 15% compared to 2022 levels by 2026. Valio reached and even exceeded this target by the end of 2024. Valio has reduced the amount of plastic used in single-serve packaging by 210,000 kg per year, which is equivalent to 10 million plastic shopping bags. This means a 22.5% reduction compared to 2022.
With its Green Deal commitment, Valio contributes to the national goal of a significant reduction in the use of plastic single-serve packaging. Valio has taken several measures to reduce the use of plastic: Valio has switched to using recyclable cardboard pots for products such as Valio Profeel ® quark products and puddings, which has significantly reduced the use of plastic. In addition, cardboard packaging has been brought to the market even more rapidly than in the past, helping reduce the use of plastic faster than the target schedule. The amount of plastic in the Valio yoghurt ® 200 g packaging has also been successfully reduced by 8% compared to 2022.
Although reduction measures started years ago, reducing the amount of plastic used in single-serve packaging requires long-term work, which is now starting to bring results. The development and introduction of cardboard pots started as early as 2020 with partners.
“We are proud to have achieved our goals ahead of schedule. It shows our commitment to sustainable development and the circular economy,” says Juhana Pilkama, who is in charge of packaging development at Valio.
Previously, Valio has reduced packaging plastic with measures such as the removal of detachable lids, plastic spoons and straws from single-serve packaging. In addition, Valio has made the plastic used, for example, in its packaging for cheese slices and wedges thinner. Valio is continuously improving its packaging with the goal that, by 2030, all its packages will be fully compatible with a true circular economy – meaning they can be reused to create new products. In addition, the goal is that 80% of packaging materials will be made from either renewable or recycled materials.
The Green Deal initiative seeks solutions for tackling climate challenges, loss of biodiversity and overconsumption of natural resources, and for promoting the circular economy in Finland.
The Green Deal agreements and the related commitments are part of the Society’s Commitment to Sustainable Development initiated by the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development. Companies and public actors undertake to promote the objectives and actions pursuant to agreements by signing a commitment approved by the ministries on the Commitment2050 website.