Dairy & Beverages

All milk products sold in retail outlets has to be heat-treated to eliminate microorganisms to extend its shelf life. Based on the type and duration of this heat treatment and the resulting shelf life, milk can be split into three groups. Each milk type heat treatment has its specific packaging requirements. The shelf life of pasteurised milk being intrinsically very limited, this type of milk requires no particular protection from the effects of light, moreover as its always stored in the refrigerator. This protection is guaranteed by packaging with a barrier layer to visible rays and UVs. Sterilised milk also has specific packaging needs since its packaging has to withstand harsh heat treatment. HDPE, just one material for all three milk types to fulfil the specific packaging requirements of each milk type, several packaging solutions are available, from glass bottle, to carton, PET bottle, dairy flexible pouch, etc.

However, the HDPE bottle is the only packaging type that can be used for all three milk types. As HDPE milk bottles also lend themselves to a full range and allows maximum flexibility on printing, sleeve, colour, shape [including handle], they are clearly the most “flexible” rigid milk packaging around.