Significant packaging actions

We have a long tradition of packaging development. In addition to protecting the product, our packaging design takes into account recyclability, the use of recycled raw materials, and the use of renewable materials, and we optimize the amount of packaging material used. This webpage showcases Valio’s significant packaging actions over the years. 

Valio is committed to a long-term strategy of making its packaging more suitable as raw materials for the circular economy – while also increasing its use of recycled plastic. Promoting a closed-loop material cycle is at the heart of our packaging development. For example, in our sliced cheese packaging, we use recycled plastic (rPET) collected from consumer recycling programmes. This ensures that the material remains in use as a secondary raw material rather than ending up incinerated for energy. 

Circular economy and renewable materials as drivers of Valio’s packaging development  

Valio has been systematically developing its packaging to better align with the circular economy. We have reduced the use of packaging materials, particularly plastic, and increased the proportion of recycled plastic. At the same time, we have prioritized renewable materials whenever possible. 

Our work has deep roots: as early as the 1970s we established a reusable transport packaging system in Finland, and in the 1990s we were involved in establishing Finnish Packaging Recycling. 

In the early 2000s, we began using cups made from paperboard and thinner plastic. We replaced single-use cup dispensers with reusable ones. In 2010, we stopped using PVC plastic. 

Valio took a significant step forward in packaging development in 2015 by introducing a gable-top liquid carton with all its components made from renewable materials. The packaging is made of paperboard and its thin inner protective film and cap are made from plant-based bioethanol instead of traditional fossil oil. 

The next major step was taken in 2018 when these renewable material solutions were expanded to cover nearly all of Valio’s gable-top milk, buttermilk, cream, and yoghurt packages sold in Finland. 

We discontinued the use of black plastic and started using packaging made from 90% recycled plastic for our gourmet cheeses. We increased the amount of renewable materials significantly (97%) in juice and exported milk packaging. 

In 2020, we began using more than 55% mechanically recycled plastic (rPET) in our sliced cheese packaging. This material comes from sources such as deposit bottles returned by consumers. Single-use plastic spoons were removed from snack product cups, and clear written recycling instructions were added to the packaging to help consumers with routine sorting. 

In 2021, new fibre-based snack cups were introduced to the market. Thanks to its paperboard construction, the packaging is suitable for cardboard recycling, and new technology has made it possible to maintain excellent levels of liquid tightness and product shelf life. 

In 2022, we expanded the number of cups suitable for cardboard recycling by seven products, and in 2023, we gradually switched to tethered caps on our capped packaging – such as milk and juice cartons – in accordance with the EU directive. 

In October 2023, together with the Ministry of the Environment and other industry operators, we signed a voluntary Green Deal agreement to reduce the consumption of plastic single-use packaging. In the agreement, Valio commits to reduce the amount of plastic used in single-use packaging (SUP) by 15% by the end of 2026 (compared to base year 2022). 

In 2024, we successfully continued the transition from plastic cups to paperboard cups, particularly in PROfeel® puddings and some PROfeel® quark products. At the same time, we reduced plastic use in Valio Jogurtti® (yogurt) cups as well as in cheese slice and cheese block packaging. 

In 2025, we began using recycled plastic in some Valio Oivariini® packaging and in all Valio Greek yoghurt cups.