December 7, 2017

Optimum light protection for your milk

"Buy it fresh, keep it cool, protect it from light” This was the take-home message of a study by Cornell University in 2016. The high quality of fresh milk can indeed be retained over a longer period, provided that an optimal light protection is in place! With regard to shelf life, taste and protection of light-sensitive nutrients, our carton packaging is far superior to alternatives made from plastic.

Best light protection is provided by beverage cartons

The more transparent the packaging, the more light is able to penetrate it. In this regard, the carton scores much higher compared to the PET bottles. Even opaque synthetic materials offer little adequate protection.
Source: Elopak internal laboratory tests, pasteurized milk in carton and plastic bottles with differing light barriers, Elopak Corporate Analysis Report 04621

50% more vitamins

Milk in beverage cartons retains 50% more vitamin A and B2 than milk in a PET or HDPE bottle
Source: Analysis by Campden BRI, UK.

Protection from off-taste

Milk in plastic bottles already shows light-induced loss of taste after a single day. After just 2-6 days, a strong light-struck flavour develops. In contrast, Elopak Duplex Carton preserves milk from off-taste even after 9 days.
Source: Elopak internal laboratory test, pasteurized milk in carton and plastic bottles with differing light barriers, Elopak Corporate Analysis Report 04621

What experts say on the theme of light protection:

"To retain the sensory quality of the milk, an effective light protection provided by the packaging is essential."
Dr. Thomas Westermair, Head of engineering muva Kempten GmbH
Optimum light protection for your milk – Leaflet (PDF)
Elopak Website
Pure-Pak® Sense Website
Benefit Wellness, UK
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic

British health juice manufacturer The Benefit Brand brings fruity freshness and valuable vitamins to everyday life with a new drink. Filling in Elopak’s sustainable Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic carton guarantees the highest quality. Mango, passion fruit, and carrot strengthen the immune system, reduce fatigue, and help regulate hormones.

Marks & Spencer, Ireland
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic

In Ireland, the Marks & Spencer retail chain is launching an apple and ginger drink in Elopak’s Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic carton. The 1-liter beverage carton contains seven apples and one ginger root. Pure-Pak® cartons preserve the effect of the natural ingredients and ensure lasting freshness with every sip.

Änglamark, Norway
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense Natural White Board

Up to 14% fewer greenhouse gas emissions: Rørosmeieriet’s Änglamark organic milk has been available throughout Norway in the Coop supermarket chain’s 1000ml Pure-Pak® Natural White Board packaging since June 2025.

CLUN, Spain
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense Natural Brown Board

ÚNICLA A2 has been available in Spain since January 2025, packaged in 1000ml aseptic Pure-Pak® Sense cartons with Natural Brown Board. With this product launch, CLUN reaffirms its goal of producing the highest quality milk by combining innovation with sustainability and animal welfare, thereby strengthening its brand’s premium position.