---
title: "Functions of packaging"
date: 2026-07-28
author: "Sanni Jussila"
featured_image: "https://cdn-wp.valio.fi/valio-wp-network/2026/07/34821-Valio-juustoherkut-juustopakkaus-1200x630px.webp"
---

# Functions of packaging

# Packaging protects the product and promotes the circular economy







Packaging plays a key role throughout a product’s life cycle. Its primary function is to protect food and ensure its safety and shelf life. Thus, packaging is also a significant means of preventing food waste. We are constantly developing our packaging to better suit the circular economy, and we are minimizing the amount of packaging material used.

## **Renewable and recycled packaging materials**  

Our target is for 80% of Valio’s packaging materials to be made from renewable or recycled materials by 2030.

Nearly all of our gable-top milk, buttermilk, cream, and yoghurt cartons are already made entirely from renewable materials\*. Recycled material, on the other hand, finds its way back onto store shelves as new packaging: for example, our sliced cheese packages contain a significant proportion of recycled plastic. Currently, 9% of the material in our all-plastic single-use packaging is recycled plastic, and we are continuously increasing that percentage.

## Circular economy requires seamless cooperation

Packaging is a valuable resource only when it is returned to the cycle. For this reason, Valio actively strives to promote the circular economy. Our target is that all the single-use packaging for the products we make is recyclable by 2030\*\*.

Each package has written instructions to make sorting easier. From the outset, we design our packaging to be circular economy-ready and to support the recycling process.

In addition to material choices, the physical design of the packaging also plays a key role in managing overall efficiency. Logistically efficient packaging improves transport load factors and supports resource efficiency throughout the supply chain.

\*Excluding 1.75 L Valio Whipping Cream and 1 L Valio Eila® Organic Semi-Skimmed Milk Drink

\*\*Recyclability according to PPWR: A ≥95%, B ≥80%, C ≥70%; Valio aims for levels A-B (exceeding the minimum requirement of C).



 



## Are you looking for

[Production chain](https://www.valio.com/sustainability/production-chain)

[Packaging development](https://www.valio.com/sustainability/production-chain/packaging/development)

[Questions and answers about packaging](https://www.valio.com/sustainability/production-chain/packaging/questions-answers)



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