Dairy Crest turns the corner in package redesign

Dairy Crest of the UK has reduced its impact on the environment by introducing a new design of plastic milk bottle, which uses 15% less plastic and is easier for consumers. It has been created in partnership with a major retailer.

The dual objectives of lighter bottles and improved performance have been achieved with a new design that does not force the material as far into each of the bottle’s corners, according to the company. In reducing the distance to the corners of the bottle there is a considerable reduction in the weight of material required.

A further important element of the design is the positioning of the handle at a corner edge of the bottle. Stored in the fridge, the handle can therefore be positioned facing outwards, making it easier for consumers, Dairy Crest says.

In an initial trial, 30,000 bottles carried stickers that gave consumers careline information in case they were not satisfied by the new bottle. However no complaints were received and consumers like the new design.

A further large-scale trial is underway. The new bottles will soon be appearing in some of the 1.2 million British homes that receive deliveries of Country Life milk from Dairy Crest’s milkmen. Dairy Crest will also supply nearly one million bottles of the new design to one of its major retail customers.

Toby Brinsmead, managing director of Dairy Crest’s Liquid milk business notes: “Developing and introducing the new bottles has required a significant investment but will contribute to the targets we have set ourselves as part of the Milk Environmental Road Map and help reduce our costs.”