Key objectives for 2022–2025
All our packaging is recyclable by the end of 2025. We will increase the use of renewable and recycled material.
Our aim is to continuously reduce the amount of packaging plastic and materials. Our long-term goal is to do away with plastic packaging altogether.
We educate and inspire consumers on packaging recycling and sustainability.
Package recycling must be easy
One of our key objectives is to encourage consumers to be responsible and recycle packaging. In addition to recycling labels, our products also include clear, verbal instructions on how to recycle the packaging. Consumers are also interested in other responsibility-related information, such as information on carbon-neutral production.
One of the key challenges related to packaging materials is that consumers’ opportunities to recycle packaging materials for consumer products varies from market to market. We are trying to find packaging options that can be recycled in all markets.
We are among the first to manufacture drink cartons with caps that stay attached to them
In 2022, we have put particular effort into implementing the worthwhile goals of the SUP Directive and have made changes in our production to be able to put the new caps on our drink products now, ahead of schedule. In 2023, we have introduced caps that will remain attached to the drink containers, as required by the Directive.
This new practice aims to prevent drink container caps from ending up in the environment.
The new packaging is also convenient to use and easy to recycle, as the whole package, including the cap, can be recycled as cardboard.
Constant development
We have constant co-operation with research institutes, packaging manufacturers and paper industry to find new cardboard-based packaging options for our products. As part of the environmentally friendly packaging, we avoid unnecessary and oversized packaging. We also look into opportunities to reduce the amount of plastic in our current packaging.
- In 2023, the wrapping of Elovena® snack biscuits was replaced by a material suitable for cardboard recycling. The new packaging will reduce the amount of plastic we use.
- In 2023, Härkis® products underwent a packaging revamp, featuring a reduction of 85% in plastic usage compared to the old packaging. Thanks to the new packaging design, the product’s shelf life extended from one month to six months. This change represents a significant improvement in waste management.
While we prioritised cardboard materials for the new factory’s products, we cannot entirely do away with plastic: packaging for liquid products requires a small amount of plastic to ensure that the packaging can withstand both moisture and grease, and to keep the product in perfect condition. The caps for our drink cartons are made from plant-based plastic, with sugar cane as the raw material.
Raisio committeed to Green Deal
Raisio has signed the Green Deal on reducing the consumption of single-use plastic food containers. The important goals of the Green Deal fit well with the long-term sustainability work that Raisio has been carrying out for years to reduce the amount of packaging plastic and materials.
The Green Deal is based on the EU Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment. Its aim is to reduce the amount of plastic litter in the environment, especially on seashores, and to promote a circular economy. The aim is to reduce the use of single-use food packaging made entirely or partly from plastic, the contents of which are ready to be consumed directly from the container.
Raisio is committed to exploring both alternatives to single-use plastic food containers and packaging solutions that contain less plastic than the current level. We are committed to educating our employees and communicating to consumers about the environmental impact of single-use packaging, alternative solutions, recycling options and litter prevention.
Our material efficiency work aims to reduce the environmental impact of food production, distribution and consumption, focusing on packaging made from renewable materials, the reduction of food loss and food waste, and better utilisation of production side and waste streams.
“The Green Deal only applies to products that are sold individually, are consumed directly from the container and do not need to be prepared by the consumer before consumption. These products are a very small part of Raisio’s product range.
Therefore, we will continue our long-standing work on material efficiency in addition to the Green Deal”
Sari Koivulehto-Mäkitalo, Raisio’s Chief Legal Officer, Legal Affairs and Corporate Responsibility.
