Valio Exceeds Green Deal Target with 22.5% Reduction in Plastic for Single-Serve Packaging Ahead of Schedule

Valio Exceeds Green Deal Target with 22.5% Reduction in Plastic for Single-Serve Packaging Ahead of Schedule

(IN BRIEF) Valio has exceeded its 2026 target for reducing plastic in single-serve packaging well ahead of schedule, achieving a 22.5% decrease compared to 2022 levels by the end of 2024. This reduction, equivalent to removing 210,000 kg of plastic annually—or 10 million plastic shopping bags—forms part of the company’s voluntary Green Deal commitment. Key measures include transitioning to recyclable cardboard pots for products like quark and puddings, which have enabled faster reduction efforts, along with an 8% reduction in plastic usage in 200 g yoghurt packaging. Valio’s progressive initiatives, which include eliminating unnecessary plastic components and thinning plastic in various packaging, are aligned with a broader national strategy to mitigate plastic waste and advance a circular economy. Looking ahead, Valio plans for all its packaging to be fully recyclable and reusable by 2030, with a goal of sourcing 80% of materials from renewable or recycled resources. This commitment supports Finland’s Green Deal objectives, targeting climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable resource use as outlined in the Society’s Commitment to Sustainable Development.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 11-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In 2023, as a key element of its voluntary Green Deal commitment, Valio set an ambitious target to reduce the plastic content in its single-serve packaging by 15% compared to 2022 levels by 2026. Demonstrating exceptional progress, the company not only reached but surpassed that goal by the end of 2024, achieving a 22.5% reduction. This accomplishment translates to a decrease of 210,000 kg of plastic each year—an amount equivalent to 10 million plastic shopping bags.

Valio’s efforts contribute significantly to the national objective of minimizing plastic usage in single-serve packaging. The company has implemented a range of initiatives, including a switch to recyclable cardboard pots for items like Valio Profeel® quark and puddings. This change, along with a faster rollout of cardboard packaging solutions compared to previous schedules, has accelerated the reduction in plastic use. Additionally, Valio has successfully lowered the plastic content in its Valio yoghurt® 200 g packaging by 8% compared to 2022.

While these reduction measures started several years ago, the results are only beginning to become evident. The development and introduction of cardboard pots, which began back in 2020 in collaboration with strategic partners, have played a crucial role in this success.

“We are proud to have achieved our goals ahead of schedule. It shows our commitment to sustainable development and the circular economy,” said Juhana Pilkama, who leads packaging development at Valio.

Earlier initiatives to reduce packaging plastic included eliminating detachable lids, plastic spoons, and straws from single-serve packaging, as well as making the plastic used for cheese slices and wedges thinner. Moving forward, Valio aims for all its packaging to be fully compatible with a true circular economy by 2030, meaning they will be reusable in the creation of new products. The company also targets that 80% of its packaging materials will come from renewable or recycled sources.

The Green Deal initiative is designed to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource overconsumption while promoting the circular economy in Finland. These Green Deal agreements form a cornerstone of the Society’s Commitment to Sustainable Development, championed by the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development. Both companies and public actors support these objectives by signing commitments approved by government ministries, as detailed on the Commitment2050 website.

Media Contact:

Tel: +358 10 381 2118
email: mediadesk@valio.fi

SOURCE: Valio