Milk Packaging: Shaping Up

With the rise of sustainable development, companies are overhauling the way they package goods. A survey sponsored by a sustainable packaging organization called GreenBlue found that 73 percent of packagers surveyed report that their companies are paying closer attention to sustainability. Using a “cradle to cradle” approach, manufacturers are examining packaging from production through eventual disposal and reuse. However, Anne Johnson of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition points out that:

"Sustainable technologies won't do much good without the acceptance of consumers and the packaging industry."

The new and improved milk packaging could not be a better example. These rectangular, stackable milk jugs can be found in Costco and Wal-Mart owned Sam’s Club, but many consumers are balking at the unfamiliar appearance and feel of the new jug.

Still, manufacturers are persisting, educating consumers about modified pouring techniques and the benefits of the new packaging. Because the rectangular, stackable jugs are easier to pack and ship, the benefits are copious. Overall, the new design halves labor, cuts water use by up to 70 percent, saves space, and cuts the number of trips needed to deliver milk and retrieve empty crates, thus cutting fuel use. Ultimately, this leads to savings on the part of the consumer of around $.40 per gallon.

Sustainable packaging, as is obvious in the example of milk, can make a huge impact. The continuing challenge will be to convince feet-dragging consumers to adapt to eco- and wallet-friendly changes. To learn more about sustainable packaging, click here.