As part of our commitment for a circular economy, we started a collaboration with MCC Verstraete to have a mono-material packaging for our margarine tubs (250g). We want to reach 100% recyclable-ready packaging by 2025 and the solution we worked on together gets us a step closer to it.
What's new about the tubs?
The tub itself will remain the same plastic (PP) tub. However, we added a PP seal (SealPPeel), substituting the typical aluminium foil. This helps both us to sell the product, thanks to the more practicality of the seal as it doesn't rip, but also the consumers. Because sorting empty packages can be done in a more easy and effective way.
Why is mono-material packaging better for the environment?
The sustainable benefit of the mono-material packaging lies in the effectiveness of recyclability of the packaging. When a packaging is made by different materials, it is often difficult to separate them. For example, the aluminium seal of the margarine tubs rips easily, leaving some residuals on the plastic part. With mono-material packaging we don't even have to worry about separating parts and it can be recycled more easily in the dedicated facilities.
What other assets of SealPPeel stand out?
Next to the sustainability aspect, the artwork is much more attractive and qualitative, which benefits the product image as packaging is a representation of the quality inside.
We saw great potential in optimising the recyclability of our margarine range, as today this packaging is made of multiple materials.
MCC Verstraete has been our ally during this project. We were aligned on all levels: from implementation to marketing, sustainability, etc. and thanks to them we have now our new margarine tubs on the market!
Read the complete interview with our Group Sustainability Manager Aurélie Comhaire, Commercial Manager Retail Belux Melissa Choy and Stijn Quentin (MCC Verstraete) here.
Discover more about our initiatives and commitments on packaging in our Annual integrated report.