The new packaging changes are steps toward TINE's goal of environmentally friendly and 100% renewable packaging by 2023. TINE is one of Norway's largest users of packaging.
“Our entire industry must contribute to increased recycling by developing packaging that is easy to recycle and increase the use of recycled plastic, and of course remove it where we can,” head of sustainability at TINE, Bjørn Malm, said.
More companies are testing cardboard instead of plastic packaging, according to Green Dot Norway.
The dairy company said it is working to find a good fiber-based solution that can replace all plastic straws and plastic spoons on the more than 100m relevant products it produces annually. TINE is currently testing paper straws in production.
“We are in the process of both test production and consumer tests, and hope that the Norwegian people can drink chocolate milk, Sunniva juice, iced tea and Sprett drinks from paper straws as early as next year. This is new to us, so we are completely dependent on testing to learn. It may sound simple, but these changes are a big transition,” Malm said.
The goal is for TINE's beverage products to feature paper straws, while its yogurt and porridge products will follow with an environmentally-friendly wooden spoon during the next year, if tests are successful.
TINE already launched new environmentally friendly packaging solutions for many of its products this autumn. Its milk cartons are already 100% renewable. To further reduce its footprint, the company has launched its organic milk in a more environmentally friendly carton. The renewable plastic cap has been replaced with the classic board ‘fold’ opening. In addition, TINE has developed a new and improved version of the cardboard cup that was launched on one of TINE's sour cream products last year.
“We must constantly aim to become even better,” Malm said.
He said while much of the company’s packaging can be recycled, the goal is for all packaging to be recyclable, adding that TINE was changing the packaging of all sliced cheese so that it can be recycled and reused.
More than seven out of 10 Norwegians are concerned about environmentally-friendly packaging, according to a recent survey conducted by Opinion, on behalf of TINE.
“We know that functional packaging is important, and hope to convince consumers that environmentally friendly packaging is just as important. We are convinced that the packaging of the future will be able to combine both. The changes simply make it easier for most people to make good environmental choices in the store,” Malm said.
“We must bring with us both the Norwegian people, the industry and of course the authorities who must facilitate that the packaging change actually takes place.”