UK – Saputo Dairy UK, a British dairy company, has successfully phased out non-recyclable cover papers from its Clover, Utterly Butterly, and Country Life Spreadable products, becoming the first branded manufacturer to make this transition to fully recyclable packaging.
The decision to remove the greaseproof cover papers, traditionally used for product leveling and branding during packaging, marks a milestone in Saputo’s commitment to ensuring all its packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.
This change eliminates approximately 44 tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually, reinforcing the company’s environmental dedication.
Saputo Dairy UK highlights that it is “breaking new ground” as the first branded manufacturer to eliminate cover papers from spread packaging.
With the tubs and lids for these brands already recyclable, this new change ensures that all packaging for these spreads is fully recyclable.
Joanna Swan, Senior Brand Manager for Spreads at Saputo Dairy UK, emphasized that cover papers are unnecessary for maintaining product quality or freshness, as the lids provide sufficient protection and hygiene.
“Removing the cover paper aligns with our goal to reduce landfill waste significantly and supports consumer desire for sustainable packaging solutions,” Swan stated.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance sustainability across all operations, aiming for 100% recyclable packaging by 2025.
To facilitate a smooth transition, the company will communicate the change through printed messages on existing cover papers until the end of June, with the new packaging starting in July 2024.
Saputo sells Australian fresh milk processing facilities
Meanwhile, Saputo has completed the sale of two fresh milk processing facilities in Laverton North, Victoria, and Erskine Park, New South Wales, to Coles Group Limited, an Australian-based supermarket, retail, and consumer services chain, in a transaction valued at approximately US$69.3 million.
Completing this sale is part of Saputo’s overall network optimization strategy, a pillar of its Global Strategic Plan.
“This sale reinforces our roadmap for long-term success in Australia and demonstrates our agility in further adapting our manufacturing footprint to focus on higher-value growth opportunities,” said Lino A. Saputo, chair of the board, President, and CEO.
As part of the sale, Saputo will maintain its valued farmer relationships in Australia and continue processing fresh milk products at the two manufacturing facilities.
The employment of approximately 48 people across the two sites has been transferred to Coles Group Limited.
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