Beverage packaging: Sainsbury expands support of pouch-based milk packaging
Linda Casey -- Packaging Digest, 5/5/2010 6:00:04 PM
In a move that furthers its support of the milk-bag packaging, Sainsbury's has rolled out RPC Containers JUGIT system to all UK stores for milk products from supplier Dairy Crest. "Sainsbury's has been immensely supportive of the milk bag initiative throughout the project, seeing the environmental benefits in terms of reducing packaging waste and a lower carbon footprint compared to plastic milk bottles," explains Richard Pryor, innovations controller at Dairy Crest.
The JUGIT system offers consumers a pouch-based format that uses substantially less packaging material than conventional plastic milk containers. The milk bag system offers a 75 percent less packaging weight advantage over the plastic bottles that typically is used for retail milk packages. Once placed into the reusable JUGITTM, a spike perforates the bag so it is ready to pour.
Sainsbury's is so impressed by JUGITTM that the retailer has rolled-out the system to all UK stores. "Sainsbury's has been immensely supportive of the milk bag initiative throughout the project, seeing the environmental benefits in terms of reducing packaging waste and a lower carbon footprint compared to plastic milk bottles," explains Richard Pryor, Innovations Controller at Dairy Crest.
Sainsbury has been testing the concept prior to this nationwide rollout. The new packaging reflects consumer feedback from the trial and is designed for easier use. Initially, the consumer had to hold the corner of the bag to ensure its correct placement before inserting a detachable spike attachment to puncture the bag. In the new design, the bag is secured with an integral clip and the spike is part of the lid, automatically perforating the bag upon closure.
The revamped JUGIT also features a change to the detachable handle, which now attaches to the outside of the container. Consumer feedback had highlighted that the original design, where the handle clipped to the inside of the JUGIT, was inconvenient as it meant the lid had to be reopened if the handle was not secured.
At the same time, the JUGIT has been redesigned to enhance its convenience and performance. "While the initial trial was hugely successful, we took the opportunity to see what improvements could be made," confirms Bruce Margetts, general manager of RPC Market Rasen. "The new JUGIT is more robust, more aesthetically pleasing and easier to use."
The changes reflect feedback of consumers' practical experiences in preparing the JUGIT for use.
"RPC has been a tremendous creative and practical resource throughout the development of JUGIT and the latest design is proof of the company's expertise in getting the most out of a packaging concept," comments Richard Pryor. "These are exciting times for JUGITTM and we look forward to seeing how consumers respond to the system."
Not all retailers have had success with the milk-bag concept. Another UK retailer, Waitrose recently ditched its environmentally friendly milk pouch and jug concept, claiming poor demand was leading to high wastage.
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