Does the type of packaging it’s in affect the shelf life of cottage cheese?

Yes, layers of protective material block light and moisture, inhibiting moisture and inhibiting mold, yeast, and spoilage bacteria and help extend shelf life up to 65 days or longer in some cases. Airtight packaging of carbon dioxide-injected cottage cheese may extend shelf life further.
 
Cottage cheese wrapped in traditional muslin cloth is good for about 21 days or less.
 
Source(s):
Food Processing Magazine: “Reformulating for Aseptic Processing” (2006)
Dr. Rani Govindasamy-Lucey, senior scientist, Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research, University of Wisconsin.