Launching of self-separating K3® cups from Greiner Packaging

Molkerei Forster is among the first companies in Switzerland to use self-separating K3® cups from Greiner Packaging. The sustainable cardboard-plastic combinations are offered under the proprietary brand Milbona in Lidl Schweiz’s retail branches.

Companies wanting to package dairy products sustainably have been using cardboard-plastic combinations for many years. K3® packaging was first produced at the Swiss Greiner Packaging site in Diepoldsau over 40 years ago. The latest K3® innovation is now coming to the Swiss market: the self-separating K3® r100. This innovative packaging is used for the Milbona natural yogurts sold by Swiss retailer Lidl Schweiz.

The foundation for optimal recycling is laid.

For the first time, innovative K3® r100 packaging makes it possible for cardboard and plastic to separate from each other without human intervention. This innovation lays the foundation for future collection systems in Switzerland. If the cardboard wrap is forgotten to separate from the cup, the two parts separate by mechanical pressure. 

Plastic cups and cardboard wraps can be identified, assigned to different recycling streams, and recycled. However, Until this happens, both components must be separated manually and sent to the respective (local) disposal system. Greiner Packaging, Lidl Schweiz, and Molkerei Forster hope sorting flows will be harmonized. By switching to K3® r100, Molkerei Forster and Lidl Schweiz are already well prepared for such a system and are assuming a pioneering role in future-proof packaging design.

Partnerships ensure innovation

Greiner Packaging and Molkerei Forster have benefited from partnership-based cooperation for many years and already developed numerous innovation steps. In 2021, for example, Molkerei Forster was one of the first companies in Switzerland to use the new Greiner Packaging design: a recess in the cardboard wrap allows easy separation from the plastic cup with just one movement. Close collaboration was required while developing the K3® r100. 

Numerous filling tests of the packaging innovation took place at Molkerei Forster.

“Without good partners like Molkerei Forster, innovations such as our K3® r100 would not be possible. Before we brought the cup to market, we perfected it in numerous filling tests – including on Molkerei Forster’s systems. Having a good idea is one thing, but checking it for marketability is another. This is only possible in collaboration with our customers.”