Danone Canada has announced a C$9m ($6.5m) investment in its Boucherville site, aimed at manufacturing new individual yoghurt containers from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin.
This initiative is part of the company’s wider strategy to improve sustainability in its packaging methods.
The project will also utilise recycled PET (rPET), with a goal of achieving 30% recycled content in the new containers.
This represents a significant achievement for Danone’s operations in Canada, made possible through assistance from the Government of Québec.
Supported by Danone’s Oikos brand, this initiative marks a leap forward in the agrifood sector.
The funding is enhanced by a C$3m loan from Investissement Québec and a direct grant of C$400,000 from RECYC-QUÉBEC.
Investissement Québec International president Hubert Bolduc said: “Danone Canada is an example to follow when it comes to putting down roots in Québec.
“This new investment not only reaffirms their commitment to the Québec market, but also illustrates Québec’s ability to attract quality foreign direct investment in our strategic sectors.
“We are proud to accompany Danone in this new phase, which combines innovation, sustainability and tangible economic benefits.”
The new Oikos PET containers are already being introduced at retail outlets across Canada.
Danone Canada president Frédéric Guichard said: “At Danone, innovation is the driving force behind our sustainable development approach.
“These new yoghurt cups from Oikos, the number one brand in Canada, represent an important milestone in our ambition to reduce the environmental footprint of our packaging and inspire other companies to follow suit towards more sustainable solutions.”
