PolyFlex: A game-changer in cheese packaging

Following the launch of its award-winning MonoFlexBE recyclable, lightweight pouches for grated cheese, Coveris has taken its cheese packaging offer to the next level with the development of PolyFlex, a sustainable solution for block cheese.

PolyFlex’s mixed polyolefin structure replaces traditional mixed nylon laminates - one of the hardest to recycle materials – in block cheese packaging and is recyclable through front-of-store schemes. The Best New Concept Award recognises Coveris’ success in developing a sustainable alternative for a traditionally hard-to-recycle material.

A breakthrough in the block cheese category, PolyFlex offers high-barrier protection to maintain a minimum 120-day shelf life while significantly improving recyclability. With an estimated 3.5 billion blocks of cheese sold annually in the UK, PolyFlex has the potential to move these packs into a front-of-store recycling stream.

Commenting on the PolyFlex, UK Packaging Awards judges said: “This new concept can define a new category norm for the industry – a genuine new concept, future proof for recyclability.”

Driving sustainable packaging forward

Following 18 months of development and shelf-life testing, PolyFlex is set to launch in 2025, joining Coveris’ impressive portfolio of recyclable cheese packaging. This follows the success of MonoFlexBE, Coveris’ first-to-market packaging for grated cheese, already sold in leading UK retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Co-op, and Iceland.

PolyFlex will enable customers to adopt a recyclable packaging solution for block cheese without any compromise on product quality or performance. This breakthrough enables customers to align with their recyclability goals while benefitting from a seamless transition to sustainable packaging. This packaging change is also expected to reduce costs ahead of forthcoming EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) regulations compared to non-recyclable packaging. 

Mark Robinson, Technical Director for BU Flexibles, expressed his pride at the achievement, saying: “Winning the Best New Concept Award at the UK Packaging Awards for our innovative PolyFlex packaging is a fantastic honour. It highlights our dedication to providing recyclable packaging solutions for cheese and reinforces our position as a leader in sustainable packaging. With PolyFlex, along with our grated cheese packaging, we now offer an even wider range front-of-store recyclable solutions.”

Recognising Coveris’ success at the UK Packaging Awards

Coveris’ success extended beyond PolyFlex at the prestigious UK Packaging Awards. Bryony Thomas-Downes, Technical Manager at ReCover Louth, Coveris’ recycling business, was Highly Commended in the Woman of the Year category. A pivotal member of the ReCover Louth team, Bryony’s talent, dedication and impact on the industry was celebrated at the awards. 

The UK Packaging Awards, held at Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Thursday 10th October recognised the very best in innovation and quality. Coveris’ continued focus on innovation and sustainability was celebrated at this prestigious event.