3.7 Packaging

At the Emmi Group, “Packaging” refers to all the materials used to protect the products from external influences during transportation and storage. It 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 using packaging again in its original form and functionality (for example, reusing a glass bottle). At the same time, the Emmi Group focusses on reducing material consumption. When choosing packaging, the top priority is food safety and preserving the quality of the products.

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

Packaging is critical for food safety and ensures product quality during transport and storage. It thus helps to avoid food waste (see section 3.10 Food waste). Faulty or incorrect packaging material can damage the Emmi Group’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, both in the context of oil as a finite resource or environmental pollution. Due to stricter regulations and bans on certain packaging materials, the Emmi Group is testing alternatives and using them where appropriate. 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 the Emmi Group’s brands.

3.7.2 Management approach and goals

Consideration of European directives and legislation

Since 2011, the Emmi Group has been working on sustainable packaging solutions while consistently ensuring the products are protected. In Switzerland, there are currently only a few specifications for packaging design, and advances in the packaging sector are primarily driven by initiatives as well as voluntary commitments in the industry. For Switzerland and the European business, the Emmi Group is therefore guided by the increasingly strict EU guidelines and legislation, such as those of the Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC). The Directive defines the legal framework for dealing with waste in the EU. It aims to protect the environment, human health and resources, as well as promote recycling by collecting more waste separately and returning it for reuse. The Emmi Group also takes into account the EU Single Use Plastic Directive and the revised EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. All packaging materials used by the Emmi Group comply with EU food law and country-specific requirements (Regulation (EU) No. 10/2011).

The Emmi Group is currently focussing on division Switzerland and division Europe in the area of packaging. For division Americas, the company ensures compliance with local laws. In the new strategy period, 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 in separate, interdisciplinary committees. Local packaging laws and customer requirements are taken into account. Once the project has been approved, the sustainable packaging team will once again be responsible for detailed planning, prioritisation, implementation and measuring progress. It implements projects in interdisciplinary teams and initiates measures if deviations from the overarching goals are identified.

Circular economy as a collective task

Wherever possible, the Emmi Group uses recyclable materials for new packaging. 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 Schweiz AG is committed to the nationwide collection of plastic packaging.

Thanks to the association PET-Recycling Schweiz, PET bottles are already well established in Switzerland, both in terms of collection and recycling. In 2024, Emmi Schweiz AG launched an innovative white PET bottle that includes light protection for light-sensitive dairy products. With the gradual switch from HDPE to PET bottles, Emmi Schweiz AG is focussing on packaging that is suitable for the circular economy. The bottle is currently made from 25% recycled materials, which are currently sourced from transparent bottles. The aim is to use recycled materials from white bottles in production in future.

Mandatory specifications for suppliers

In addition to the general Code of Conduct for Suppliers, a specific catalogue of requirements has been defined for suppliers of packaging materials. This governs the handling of critical substances (such as 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 levied only at division Switzerland. Implementation in other countries is planned as soon as the “Packaging Cockpit” calculation tool is rolled out in 2026.
• Use of at least 30% recycled materials in plastic packaging. The key figure currently covers only plastic packaging and is collected for division Switzerland and, since 2024, in Italy (Emmi Dessert Italia S.p.A.) and Spain (Kaiku Corporación Alimentaria S.L. and Lácteos de Navarra S.L.). Expansion to other European production countries is planned in line with the development of regulatory requirements.

3.7.3 Developments in the year under review

Recyclability calculation tool

The Packaging Cockpit calculation tool has been prepared in Switzerland to determine the recyclability of packaging. The aim is to automatically calculate the recyclability from the various IT systems by adjusting the SAP master data and establishing interfaces to existing systems. The launch is planned for 2026 (see section 3.7.4 Outlook).

Increased use of recycled materials

Emmi Schweiz AG increased the proportion of recyclates in raclette trays made of PET material to 100% in the reporting year. Previously, the trays were made entirely of PET material, with some still being extracted from fossil raw materials.

Slight improvement in recyclability

The recyclability of plastic packaging (target by 2027: 100%) in Switzerland is 24% (+1% year on year). The slight increase in the key figure compared to the previous year is attributable to optimisation measures in the area of cheese packaging. The sharp decline in the key figure from 2023 to 2024 was due to an improved and more accurate calculation method, which had a significant impact on the likelihood of achieving the target.

The proportion of recycled materials is 5% in Switzerland (+1% year on year), 21% in Italy (+3% year on year) and 2% in Spain (+1% year on year). The target is a 30% proportion of recycled materials per country by 2027.

The Emmi Group measures progress using the following performance indicators:

Methodology for non-financial figures 2025

3.7.4 Outlook

With the introduction of the Packaging Cockpit calculation tool, data collection for recyclability will be extended to other European production countries in accordance with the statutory requirements. In future, it will be possible to calculate the key figure automatically.

The strategy for procuring recycled materials is being refined, so that sufficient quantities can be secured for packaging production.

From 2026, another PET filling plant will enter into operation at Emmi Schweiz AG. This allows for consistent progress in the transition from HDPE bottles to PET bottles that are collected and recycled nationwide.