Wood-based lid for quark containers − Valio and Stora Enso test biocomposite in food packaging

Valio and Stora Enso will distribute 10,000 wood fibre-based reusable lids made from a biocomposite, while encouraging consumers to reduce food waste. The reusable lids will be used to test the wood-based biocomposite in food packaging. The lids will be distributed through Valio’s promotional sales demonstrations early this year.

Annually about one third of the world’s food ends up as food waste or is thrown away (source: FAO). Food produced in vain is a waste of resources and generates unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The packaging – and the lid – plays an important role in preventing food waste: the lid protects the food during storage.

“With this pilot project we are encouraging people to take small, concrete actions to reduce food waste. The lid makes it easy to protect the unused crème fraiche or quark,” says Jussi-Pekka Lumme, Packaging Development Manager at Valio.

At the same time, Valio and Stora Enso are testing how the biocomposite functions when combined with the food packaging. The lids are durable, washable and made from hygienic DuraSense® by Stora Enso, a biocomposite material that combines wood fibres and polymers. The biocomposite make it possible to cut the share of plastic in various products by as much as half and thus reduce the carbon footprint.

“In 2018 we switched to fully plant-based packaging in all 250 million gable-top milk, yoghurt, cream, and sour milk packages. The packages are a part of our larger concept of aiming to reset milk’s carbon footprint to zero by 2035. We are constantly exploring new packaging innovations to test and take into use,” says Jussi-Pekka Lumme.

“We at Stora Enso see a strong demand for climate-friendly food packaging. The change is being driven by recognised product brands that are seeking eco-friendly solutions. We are actively developing innovative solutions that help food chains respond to consumer demands for sustainable selections,” says Stora Enso’s Hannu Kasurinen, Executive Vice President, Packaging Materials.

 Interview and call requests through Valio Mediadesk mediadesk@valio.fi

VALIO FROM FINLAND – THE WORLD’S MOST INNOVATIVE DAIRY AND FOOD COMPANY

Valio, offering the taste of Nordic nature since 1905, is a brand leader and the biggest dairy business in Finland and a major player in the international dairy ingredients market. The company is owned by dairy cooperatives comprising some 5,100 dairy farmers.

Wellbeing is at the heart of Valio’s world leading technology innovations, expertise and products that are made from clean Finnish milk and other ingredients. Our product development follows in the footsteps of Nobel Prize winner A. I. Virtanen, and the company holds 350 patents in 50 countries. Our efforts to improve animal wellbeing are resolute, and we know that only healthy cows can produce premium milk products. Valio’s milk ranks among the cleanest in the world, and we have zero tolerance for antibiotic residue in milk.

Valio has net sales of EUR 1.7 billion and is Finland’s biggest food exporter. Valio products are found in some 60 countries and account for 30% of Finland’s total food exports. Valio seeks strong growth in international markets and has subsidiaries in Russia, Sweden, the Baltics, USA and China.

Valio – Together we make life better.