EKOPACK – Sustainable cheese makers in Gipuzkoa

The EKOPACK GAZTA project is framed within the Efficient Circular Food Chain area of the Etorkizuna Eraikiz – Misioak 2023 Program  proposed by the Government of Gipuzkoa.  The EKOPACK GAZTA project is focused on tackling the environmental problems caused by non-recyclable packaging in the food industry, focusing on the local sustainable production and responsible consumption of Shepherds’ Cheeses in the Gipuzkoa region.  To achieve this, a multi-sector collaborative project will be carried out which involves all the actors along the food chain, such as small craft cheese makers, the ARTZAI GAZTA Association, the Consejo Regulador de la Denominación de Origen Protegida Idiazabal, and EROSKI.  The cooperation between these different actors along the food chain will guarantee the development of an efficient and sustainable chain in the production and consumption of cheese in Gipuzkoa.  This cooperation implies the active and coordinated participation of producers, processors, distributors, and consumers, working together to tackle the challenges the cheese industry and the society of Gipuzkoa face.

The goal is to implant biodegradable packaging within small dairies to reduce the environmental impact and promote socially responsible production practices.  Moreover, with this, there is the intention to make consumers aware of the importance of choosing local products that respect the environment, such as cheese produced at these dairies.  By adopting these more sustainable practices, the dairies can benefit in environmental, social, and economic terms, and contribute to the collective effort to protect the environment and promote a more sustainable food system in Gipuzkoa.