Saputo UK ditches non-recyclable cover papers

As part of its commitment to ensure all packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025, the manufacturer is removing the non-recyclable cover papers from its Clover, Utterly Butterly and Country Life Spreadable products.

Cover papers on spreads packaging was traditionally used to flatten the product for even filling and to provide a surface for promotional messages. The removal of the papers means the products will now be fully recyclable.

Quashing misconceptions

Saputo laid to rest any misconceptions surrounding the purpose of the cover papers, pointing out that they never served as a tamper evident feature or for maintaining the quality or freshness of the spreads.

Joanna Swan, senior brand manager for spreads at Saputo Dairy UK said: “As a producer of leading British food brands, we are determined to play an active role in reducing waste and looking after our natural resources.  ​

“The cover paper is not needed for product quality, freshness or hygiene, as the lid does this job. By removing it we can save a significant amount of unnecessary packaging each year from going to landfill.”​

Customer notice

A printed message alerting customers of the move will be on existing cover papers from May until the end of June, with full removal of the papers commencing from July 2024.

“In general people want to do the right thing but there is a lot of ambiguity and varying guidance around what can or cannot be recycled,”​ Swan added.

“Therefore, removing unnecessary packaging is the good choice for the environment. As a leading brand, this one small change from us can make a difference to the planet.”​

Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s is to cut the amount of plastic used in its fish and chicken packaging by 70%,​​ saving up to 700 tonnes of material each year.