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
Bad Heilbrunner, Germany
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic

Bad Heilbrunner is launching four new organic iced tea varieties under the No Suga brand in Elopak’s sustainable Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic packaging. Pure-Pak® guarantees that the high-quality organic ingredients and natural herbal sweetness are optimally protected. Bad Heilbrunner is thus going with the trend toward natural and sugar-free soft drinks. 

Black Forest Milk, Germany
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense

Black Forest Milk has launched its new fresh country milk from Landliebe with 1.5% fat in sustainable 500 ml Pure-Pak® Sense cartons in Germany. Thanks to the practical to-go packaging, the popular cocoa, strawberry, and banana varieties are also ideal for on the go. Landliebe is not only committed to sustainability in its packaging: the milk for the three new products comes from regional family farms in Baden-Württemberg.

Tropicana Brands Group, UK
Product:
Pure-Pak® Classic

Tropicana is expanding its “Fresh & Light” range: Five fruity varieties with 30% less sugar and 100% of the daily vitamin C requirement have been available in 850 ml and 1450 ml Pure Pak® cartons since April 2025. Since May, the most popular orange juices have also been available in a handy 500 ml Pure Pak® format. The cartons are fully recyclable in the UK.

Boermarke, Europe
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense Natural Brown Board

Boermarke is expanding its Vairy brand plant-based range across Europe – all in sustainable 1000ml Pure-Pak® Sense cartons with natural brown board. The plant-based puddings and yogurts are available in a variety of flavors and enriched with calcium and vitamins. The natural brown color of the Pure-Pak® Sense cartons with visible fiber structure ensures an authentic look and strong shelf presence.