For decades, Mini Babybel has been the lunchbox MVP — a tiny round of cheese wrapped in shiny cellophane and sealed in its unmistakable red wax. Now, the beloved brand is giving its packaging a planet-friendly glow-up.
What’s Changing
Babybel’s outer plastic wrap will be replaced with recyclable, certified paper packaging. This rollout has already begun in the UK, with the U.S., Canada, and Northern Europe set to follow in 2026. By 2027, all 50 global markets will make the switch. However, fans can breathe a sigh of relief — the signature red wax shell isn’t going anywhere. It remains essential for protecting the cheese and keeping that satisfying peel-and-pop ritual intact.
Why the Change Matters
Bel Group, Babybel’s parent company, has set a bold target: 100% of its packaging recyclable or compostable by 2030. The move from bio-based compostable cellophane (introduced in 2020) to paper is a major step toward that goal. It wasn’t just a material swap — engineers had to rethink the entire protection system to ensure the cheese’s quality, safety, and flavor stayed the same.
A Global Impact
With two billion Babybel portions sold annually, this change isn’t just cosmetic, it’s a sustainability milestone with real environmental weight. Babybel joins other food giants like Heinz and Coca-Cola in reimagining packaging to reduce waste and shrink carbon footprints.
The Fun Stays Intact
Sure, the wrapper may look different, but the playful spirit of Babybel remains. You’ll still get that Pac-Man moment peeling the wax, and maybe even a chance to flex your creativity: some fans melt the wax into mini sculptures or use it to seal envelopes with cheesy flair.
;Resize,width=767;)
