3.7 Packaging

At Emmi, “Packaging” refers to all the materials used to protect products from external influences during transport and storage. Emmi uses various materials or material combinations depending on the product. In the interests of the circular economy, as much of the packaging as possible should be recyclable and reusable. Recyclable means dismantling packaging into its raw materials, while reusable means reusing packaging in its original form and functionality (for example, reusing a glass bottle). At the same time, Emmi is focusing on reducing material consumption. When choosing packaging, the top priority is always food safety and preserving the quality of the products.

3.7.1 Impact on the environment and society, and opportunities and risks for Emmi

Packaging is critical for food safety and ensures product quality during transport and storage. It thus helps to avoid food waste (see section “Food waste”). The selection of suitable packaging material is therefore very important. Faulty or incorrect packaging material that does not guarantee the product’s protection can damage the company’s reputation as well as consumers’ trust and may result in financial consequences.

Packaging made from materials that are difficult to recycle or improperly disposed of has a negative impact on the environment. The use of plastic in particular is being critically assessed today, both in the context of the finite resource of oil or environmental pollution. Stricter regulations and bans on certain packaging materials have led to Emmi testing and using alternatives. The use of environmentally friendly packaging materials enables Emmi to position itself positively in the market while reducing its environmental footprint. By using recycled raw materials in particular, a long-term circular economy that conserves resources and reduces waste can be established. Sustainable and innovative packaging solutions can also strengthen consumer confidence in and loyalty towards Emmi’s brands.

3.7.2 Management approach and goals

Consideration of European directives and legislation

Since 2011, Emmi has been working to reduce the use of materials and optimise packaging while ensuring the products are protected. In Switzerland, there are currently few specifications for packaging design, and advances in the packaging sector are primarily driven by initiatives as well as voluntary commitments in the industry. Emmi is therefore guided by the increasingly stringent EU guidelines and legislation for Switzerland and the European business. The company complies, for example, with the EU Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC). The Directive defines the legal framework for dealing with waste in the European Union (EU) and aims to protect the environment, human health and resources as well as promote recycling by collecting more waste separately and returning it for reuse. Emmi is also guided by the EU directive for reducing the environmental impact of certain plastic products (Single Use Plastic Directive) as well as the revised EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. All packaging materials used by Emmi meet the EU General Food Law Regulation and country-specific requirements (Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011).

Emmi is currently focusing on division Switzerland and division Europe in the area of packaging. For division Americas, Emmi ensures compliance with local laws. In the new strategy period (2027 to 2031), the extent and time from when the European strategy can be reasonably applied at division Americas will also be examined.

Interdisciplinary committee monitors projects and goals

The goals in the area of packaging are developed by the “Sustainable Packaging” team and approved by a separate interdisciplinary committee. Local packaging laws and customer requirements are taken into account. Once targets have been approved, the “Sustainable Packaging” team is once again responsible for detailed planning, prioritising, implementing and measuring progress. It implements the upcoming projects in interdisciplinary teams and initiates the necessary measures if deviations from the overarching goals are identified.

Circular economy as a collective task

The circular economy concept is key for Emmi. Emmi therefore uses recyclable materials whenever possible for new packaging. However, a holistic, recyclable packaging landscape is dependent on standardised, functioning recycling infrastructure. This requires coordination and cooperation with various stakeholders. In Switzerland, alliances promoting the circular economy have taken shape in recent years, as demonstrated by the voluntary industry organisation RecyPac. As a founding member of this organisation, Emmi is committed to the nationwide collection of plastic packaging.

Mandatory specifications for suppliers

In recent years, Emmi has undertaken a number of measures to increase its requirements for its suppliers with regard to responsible business conduct. In addition to the General Code of Conduct for Suppliers, a specific catalogue of requirements has been defined for suppliers of packaging materials. Among other things, it covers the handling of critical substances (e.g. plasticisers), nanotechnology and migration risks. The requirements are set out in various documents that are mandatory for suppliers (Information for suppliers of the Emmi Group):

• General terms and conditions of purchase of the Emmi Group
• General requirements for suppliers of raw materials
• General requirements for suppliers of packaging materials
• Requirements for product labelling with GS1-128 for suppliers and trading partners

Packaging targets up to 2027

• Switch to 100% theoretically recyclable packaging.
  The key figure is currently only levied at division Switzerland. Implementation in other countries is being reviewed.
• Use of at least 30% recycled materials in plastic packaging.
  The key figure currently covers only plastic packaging and is currently levied at division Switzerland as well as in Italy for Emmi Dessert Italia S.p.A. and in Spain for Kaiku Corporación Alimentaria S.L. and Lácteos de Navarra S.L. Expansion to other European production countries is planned.

3.7.3 Developments in the year under review

Internal data collection tool optimised

In 2024, the quality of packaging data in Switzerland was further improved: the internal data collection tool has been optimised for reporting on consumption volumes. The existing data basis have been adapted to the new requirements, and the SAP master data required for using the tool have been further specified. A webinar taught employees the importance of data quality and how to apply the procedures correctly. In order to assess recyclability in data collection, interfaces are created between existing systems and the data collection tool. This process has not yet been fully completed in the year under review.

Improved recyclability thanks to PET bottles

By constantly switching milk drinks from HPDE bottles to PET bottles, Emmi Switzerland is increasing the recyclability of its packaging, as PET bottles can be collected via PET-Recycling Schweiz (PRS) and managed in a closed loop. With its own PET plant in Ostermundigen, Emmi can achieve a further positive environmental impact: as blanks are inflated on site, less packaging transport is required.

Increased use of recycled materials

Cheese packaging made from PET material was switched to 100% rPET in the year under review. Milk-based drinks that previously consisted of PE bottles were switched to PET bottles. As a result, Emmi can use 25% recycled materials from the cycle of PET-Recycling Schweiz (PRS) for each bottle.

Progress towards target achievement

The proportion of recyclable plastic packaging in Switzerland is 23% (target by 2027: 100%). Compared to 2023, this key figure has fallen significantly thanks to a new, more accurate calculation method. The proportion of recycled materials is 4% in Switzerland, 18% in Italy and 1% in Spain (target by 2027: 30%).

Emmi measures progress by means of the following performance figures:

Methodology for non-financial figures 2024

Methodology for non-financial figures 2024

Methodology for non-financial figures 2024

3.7.4 Outlook

The internal data collection tool is fully integrated and connected to Emmi’s product information management system so that it can be used as a calculation tool for theoretical recyclability.

Together with Procurement, the strategy for procuring recycled materials is to be further developed so that sufficient quantities can be secured.

The data collection of the key figure “Use of at least 30% of recycled materials in plastic packaging” is being expanded to other European production countries.