Wood-based lid aims to help cut food waste

Valio and Stora Enso will test a wood-based biocomposite in food packaging, in a move to encourage food waste reduction. They will distribute 10,000 reusable lids through Valio’s promotional sales demonstrations early this year.

“With this pilot project we are encouraging people to take small, concrete actions to reduce food waste. The lid makes it easy to protect the unused crème fraiche or quark,” says Jussi-Pekka Lumme, Packaging Development Manager at Valio.

The companies are also testing how the biocomposite functions when combined with the food packaging. The lids are durable, washable and made from hygienic DuraSense® by Stora Enso, a biocomposite material that combines wood fibres and polymers. The biocomposite make it possible to cut the share of plastic in various products by as much as half and thus reduce the carbon footprint.

“In 2018 we switched to fully plant-based packaging in all 250 million gable-top milk, yoghurt, cream, and sour milk packages. The packages are a part of our larger concept of aiming to reset milk’s carbon footprint to zero by 2035. We are constantly exploring new packaging innovations to test and take into use,” says Jussi-Pekka Lumme.

“We at Stora Enso see a strong demand for climate-friendly food packaging. The change is being driven by recognised product brands that are seeking eco-friendly solutions. We are actively developing innovative solutions that help food chains respond to consumer demands for sustainable selections,” says Stora Enso’s Hannu Kasurinen, Executive Vice President, Packaging Materials.

About one third of the world’s food ends up as food waste or is thrown away (source: FAO). Food produced in vain is a waste of resources and generates unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, reminds Valio.