Are you one of the millons of shoppers who pick up that little mesh bag of Babybel cheeses, almost without thinking, at the supermarket every week? Babybel packaging is changing, but NOT the iconic product…
Babybel uses locally-sourced fresh milk in its products wherever it’s made…
The big news is, after decades of iconic product identity, Babybel ini-cheese ae soon goi9ng to some in paper rather than plastic packaging…
Making good on a commitment…
Bel Group is making good on a commitment to get rid of plastic by 2030. And they’re proudly ahead of schedule…
“Bel is taking another major step in its packaging transformation by launching the global rollout of a new recyclable paper packaging for Babybel,” the news release trupmets. “By [the end of] 2027, all Babybel products — manufactured at five industrial sites and distributed in 50 countries — will be offered with responsibly sourced paper, marking a decisive turning point towards the Group’s goal of 100% packaging ready for recycling or compostable at home by 2030.”
Years of R&D
It’s taken years of R&D to arrive at the packaging ‘solution’ Bel was seeking.
“This shift goes far beyond changing materials, it is a structural transformation. Packaging plays a critical role: preserving product quality over time, ensuring microbiological safety, and withstanding temperature variations.”
The rollout of Babybel’s paper packaging has begun in the United Kingdom. The United States, Canada, and Northern Europe will follow in 2026, before a global expansion across all 50 markets starting in 2027.
No change to the wax shell
The familiar red wax shell that keeps Babybel products fresh and tasty will NOT change as part of the packaging revamp.
The wax coating is deemed, “essential to product protection, integrity, and taste.” Besides, millions of fans associate inseparably with the product. It just wouldn’t be the same Babybel for them without the shell…
Fast Babybel facts:
- Babybel is REAL cheese – not processed.
- It’s lactose-free.
- It qualifies for inclusion in vegetarian diets that allow dairy products.
- Babybel wax is officially certified ‘food safe’. It contains no byphenols.
- Babybel should be refrigerated, but the wax coating will keep it fresh for several hours – such as in your lunch box.
- It’s not Kosher or Halal, but it is safe for pregnant and nursing mothers.
- Group Bel global sales exceed €3.7 billion / (US)$4.4 billion per year. That’s a lot of Babybels!
- The Group’s 11,000 employees make and distribute its products in a total 60 locations, covering 120 countries.
My take
It sure seems as though Bel Group is doing everything right in and around their beloved, iconic cheeses. It’s an example other food makers would do well to emulate!
~ Maggie J.