With ‘rocketing’ UK sales of Sainsbury's 2-pint ‘milk bag’, the innovative system developed by Dairy Crest and RPC Containers could be introduced across further milk ranges, the retailer recently reported.
The pouches are made from a very strong low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and said to use 75% less material than standard plastic bottles.
Introduced in 2008 and rolled out nationally in February 2010, some 110,000 milk bags are sold by Sainsbury’s every week, or one in 10 of every 2-pint semi-skimmed product.
Sainsbury’s milk bag fits in the reusable Jugit jug, which contains a spike that pierces the bag, forms a no-leak seal and delivers milk through the spout.
RPC Containers redesigned Dairy Crest’s concept to be ‘more robust, more aesthetically pleasing and easier to use’, said Bruce Margetts, general manager of RPC Market Rasen.
The revamped bag is secured with an integral clip and the spike made part of the lid, automatically perforating the bag on closure. A detachable handle attaches to the outside of the container.
“Sainsbury’s has been immensely supportive of the milk bag, seeing the environmental benefits in terms of reducing packaging waste and a lower carbon footprint compared to plastic bottles,” added Richard Pryor, innovations controller at Dairy Crest.
Sainsbury's senior dairy buyer Emma Metcalf-King said: "Milk sold in bags is already a regular choice for 60% of consumers in Canada, Poland, South Africa and China, and we believe it could become just as popular in the UK.”
