COVERIS is highlighting how cheese producers can prepare for upcoming UK and EU packaging legislation through recycle-ready flexible packaging solutions.
The manufacturer will be showcasing its portfolio of cheese packaging at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards and EXPO, taking place from June 24-25 at the Staffordshire County Showground.
With legislation driving producers towards more sustainable packaging formats, Coveris revealed it has focused innovation on recyclable solutions based on mono-material and polyolefin structures.
Ahead of the UK’s Simpler Recycling deadline, which will introduce mandatory kerbside collections for plastic films and bags by March 2027, Coveris has developed recycle-ready packaging formats with validated shelf-life performance across grated, block and sliced cheese categories. These developments also support the requirements of the UK’s Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) framework by helping producers improve recyclability and reduce packaging impact. The solutions are also aligned with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
For grated cheese applications, Coveris’ MonoFlexBE pouches are utilised by several UK retailers and brand owners. Featuring a polyethylene-based (PE) laminate structure, the pouches are recyclable through front-of-store collection schemes and are ready for upcoming kerbside collections under Simpler Recycling. They are said to deliver high-barrier protection and shelf-life of up to 120 days while offering reductions in plastic use and carbon emissions.
In block cheese, Coveris’ PolyFlex form, fill, seal polyolefin film is developed as a recycle-ready alternative to traditional nylon/PE laminates. Coveris explained that the solution has been validated to deliver strong barrier performance and shelf-life protection, while also achieving environmental benefits through reduced material weight and a lower carbon footprint versus non-recyclable films.
For sliced cheese formats, Coveris’ MonoFlexBE lidding film offers a peelable, recycle-ready option compatible with a variety of existing base web trays.
Alexandra Burgess, Coveris’ UK technical applications manager for meat, fish, poultry & dairy, said, “We are taking a proactive approach to the changing legislative landscape, making sure our packaging solutions are compliant and ready for what’s coming next. By continuing to innovate mono-material 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 protection.”
