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
Utsikt, Norway
Product:
D-PAK™ Carton

The Norwegian company DRIV Energi has been marketing a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging since October 2024 with its Utsikt windshield wiper fluid in cartons. The 2-liter D-PAK™ saves 50 grams of plastic and 300 grams of CO2 per carton. Customers appreciate the recyclability and easy handling, especially the ease of pouring.

Sill, France
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic

To mark the 30th anniversary of its partnership with Elopak, Sill Enterprises is launching the new Knorr & La Potagère brand in France, whose first product is a range of three new gazpacho soup recipes in Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic cartons. An aseptic filling line installed in 2024 enables products to be filled with different carton configurations and sizes, as well as with and without an aluminum barrier.

Optimel, Netherlands
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense

Optimel launches a drinking yogurt in the Netherlands in the flavors strawberry-banana and peach-pear in the 1000ml carton Pure-Pak® Sense from Elopak. Rich in protein and calcium, with 0% fat and no added sugar, it is a good choice for a vital start to the day or as a protein-rich snack after exercise.

Rude Health, UK
Product:
Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic

Rude Health is launching a protein-rich soy drink with no unnecessary extras in Pure-Pak® Sense Aseptic from Elopak in the UK – unthickened and made from sustainably grown soybeans. Spring water, soybeans, calcium carbonate and sea salt are the only ingredients. The drink is sugar- and gluten-free, which rounds off its health-promoting profile.