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
McBride, Italy
Product:
D-PAK™

Cleaning reimagined: Actiff refill packs in D-PAK™ cartons

McBride is launching new refill packs for its household cleaning brand Actiff in D-PAK™ cartons in Italy. By introducing carton packaging, the company underlines its commitment to sustainability and innovation while responding to evolving consumer expectations.

The Actiff range includes 1litre cartons for laundry detergent and fabric softener, as well as 500 ml cartons for dishwashing liquid. By making the switch, McBride reduces the use of plastic, supports recycling and offers consumers a practical and attractive alternative to conventional plastic packaging – while ensuring strong shelf visibility.

Polmlek Group Jibal, Morokko
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic Kartons

New to the market: Jibal launches first kefir in Pure‑Pak® cartons in Morocco 

Jibal, the Moroccan subsidiary of the Polmlek Group, introduced its first kefir in Pure‑Pak® cartons to the Moroccan market in autumn 2025. The premium launch targets health‑conscious consumers and addresses the growing functional dairy segment in North Africa. With this market entry, Jibal adopts a premium positioning and uses the Pure‑Pak® carton as a packaging solution strongly associated with freshness, naturalness, and health. The product launch marks an important milestone for the brand and supports Polmlek’s expansion in one of the region’s most dynamic growth markets. 

Ehrmann Cornish Dairy, UK
Product:
Pure‑Pak®

Freshness re‑packaged: Trewithen Cream in Pure‑Pak® cartons

Ehrmann Cornish Dairy, home to the Trewithen brand, is converting three of its fresh cream products from HDPE plastic bottles to Pure‑Pak® cartons from Elopak. In collaboration with Elopak, a new filling line has been installed at the company’s site in the Glynn Valley as part of a significant investment following the acquisition by the Ehrmann Group.

From this autumn, Cornish whipping cream, double cream and buttermilk will be available in 300 ml, 500 ml and 1,000 ml cartons. By making the switch, Trewithen reduces its use of plastic, simplifies logistics and offers retailers a sustainable, shelf‑ready alternative. The move marks an important milestone for the heritage brand and has already secured a nationwide Tesco listing across the UK.

H2O4U, Finnland
Product:
Pure‑Pak®

Pure water, newly packaged: JÄÄDE in Pure‑Pak® cartons

The Finnish company H2O4U is introducing JÄÄDE, one of the purest waters in the world, for the first time in fibre‑based cartons from Elopak. The naturally filtered mineral water is filled at the company’s production facility in Lahti, Finland, where it originates from deep glacial formations that were formed around 10,000 years ago.

The products are available in 330 ml and 500 ml Mini Pure‑Pak® cartons. By introducing carton packaging, H2O4U is choosing a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging and reinforcing its commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water in a resource‑efficient way – while ensuring strong shelf visibility.