ESPOO, FINLAND — International sustainable food packaging manufacturer Huhtamaki introduced its newest solution for yogurt and dairy products, a recyclable single-coated paper cup product it calls ProDairy.

Huhtamaki noted the innovation meets the high food safety requirements for yogurt and is comprised of a lower polymer content than traditional alternative packaging products.

The company said its ProDairy cups have less than 10% plastic content across their full product range, and they are fully recyclable in Europe. Huhtamaki said the cups, which are manufactured in Europe, are made with paperboard that contains renewable wood fibers sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Fredrik Davidsson, Huhtamaki’s president of fiber foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania, called the solution “highly functional,” highlighting the cup’s barrier properties and cost efficiency.

"Dairy products are an important part of our daily life and creating recyclable packaging for something as important as your morning yogurt has been a challenge, especially while maintaining the high-performance standards required for dairy products,” Davidsson said. “These recyclable single coated paper cups help our customers address consumer demands for reduced plastic in packaging.”

Huhtamaki said while developing its ProDairy innovation, it created a unique rim design and rim forming process that overcame the typical challenges associated with reducing polymer content in dairy packaging.

Furthermore, the company said it developed unique and proprietary sealing varnish technology to give the cups a strong side seam sealing.

"Our team has identified a varnish to replace the outer polyethylene layer which maintains a paper-like feel with a matte finish and provides a high moisture barrier for products stored in chilled conditions,” Davidsson said. “This is important for manufacturers, retailers and consumers, ensuring that our unique product delivers the functional performance of traditional paper cups with a lower plastic content, while still being fully recyclable.”