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
Molokia, Ukraine
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense

Ukrainian manufacturer Ternopil Dairy has updated the designs of its fairytale milk for the Molokia brand with new characters. Wolf, bear, fox, hedgehog, stork and rabbit are now the stars of the packaging. There is also a lactose-free milk. The products are recommended by the Association of Paediatricians of Ukraine.

Robinsons, UK
Product:
Pure-Pak® Classic

“Less plastic – more serves” – Britvic launched super strength concentrated squash for the Robinsons brand using the 500ml Pure-Pak Classic carton. The result. 60 serves per 500ml and 85% less plastic per serve.

smol, UK
Product:
D-PAK™

smol’s refill carton range continues to grow. Following dishwashing liquid and fabric softener, stain remover has now also been available in practical cartons since the start of 2024. The original bottle for applying and dispensing the liquids is made from 100% recycled plastic.

LoveMilk, UK
Product:
Pure-Pak® Classic

In response to growing consumer concern about plastic waste, the UK’s largest independent dairy launched cartons with tethered caps for its fresh milk products in the food service sector. This will significantly reduce the amount of plastic used in Freshway’s packaging.