Bel UK has partnered with Tesco to launch Babybel’s new recyclable paper wrappers, making Tesco the first retailer to offer the entire Babybel range in the new paper packaging.
A wider rollout across all other UK retailers will follow in the coming months, with all Babybel wrappers transitioning to recyclable paper nationwide by mid-2026.
The move marks an important step forward in Babybel and Tesco’s sustainability journey, with the switch from compostable to recyclable packaging removing 105 million pieces of cellulose wrappers (35 tons) from Tesco shelves every year. The change is part of Tesco’s 4Rs packaging strategy that aims to remove unrecyclable packaging where it can, reduce it where it can’t and reuse more and recycle what’s left.
The new paper wrapper is made from FSC-certified, biosourced renewable materials, and is fully recyclable, supporting progress towards a more circular packaging model.
This innovation further builds on Babybel’s sustainability credentials. Babybel’s portion-controlled format plays an important role in helping minimise food waste.
This latest innovation is being backed by significant investment across Babybel production sites to update packaging lines. It also supports the wider Bel Group’s global commitment to strive towards 100% of packaging being recyclable – ready or home-compostable by 2030.
Justine de Monès, marketing manager at Bel UK, said: “Launching paper wrappers with Tesco is an important milestone in our commitment to making all Babybel packaging recyclable. Moving to recyclable paper packaging is a decisive milestone in Babybel®’s sustainable transformation. It also reflects the wider work across the Bel portfolio to actively improve packaging.”
The new packaging follows Babybel’s earlier innovation this year, when Tesco became the first retailer to stock Babybel Protein in recyclable paper wrap. The newest addition to the Babybel portfolio is already the UK’s No.1 protein cheese snack and leading product launch of the year within cheese snacking. Its success demonstrates how the brand is combining consumer-driven innovation with more sustainable packaging.
This latest packaging innovation is another key milestone in achieving Bel’s mission to champion healthier, more sustainable food for all, brought to life through innovation, education and advocacy. Bel places the reduction of its environmental footprint at the core of its strategy: from ingredient sourcing and logistics to industrial processes and packaging.
Bel’s progress is externally validated, with the Group ranked among the top 5% of companies worldwide for sustainability by Ecovadis.
