Grammes add up to tonnes

In the UK Arla Foods Amba supplies all its milk in plastic bottles. Now we’re adding weight to our environment credentials by slimming down our use of packaging.

Even small cuts in the amount of plastic used in the production of polybottles, cream trays and bottle tops add up to a lot. In the last 2 1/2 years, Arla has reduced the weight of its packaging by 753 tonnes. Not only does this mean a considerable environmental benefit, shoppers are also unable to tell the difference.

“The aim of the project is for packaging to contain, protect, preserve and educate shoppers about the product, to the highest standard, using the minimal amount of material,” says Richard Taplin, packaging manager.

Recycled content in packaging
Arla is also increasing the amount of recycled content in its packaging. By September 2008 the implementation of adding 10 percent recycled material in polybottles will begin, provided the final product adheres to the food safety requirements. The intention is for this figure to rise to 30 percent by the end of 2009.

“We’re looking at a variety of solutions to help reduce our environmental impact. We are undertaking full-scale reviews of milk and cream packaging to understand what the next generation packaging solutions will look like. Also trials on 1 and 2 pint handleless bottles are imminent. If implemented throughout the UK dairies it would generate a 550 tonne weight reduction,” said Richard Taplin.

Facts

• 2 pint bottle weight reduction at Stourton Dairy - was 27g now 25.5g - 87 tonne weight saving.
• 6 pint bottle weight reduction at Stourton Dairy - was 70g now 67g - 78 tonne weight saving.
• Lightweight milk caps - 240 tonne weight saving.
• 150ml cream overlid removal - 57 tonne weight saving.
• Milk label size reduction - 23 tonne weight saving.

Arla Foods’ ambition is to minimise emissions and continually improve its environmental efforts throughout the production chain in order to contribute to organically sustainable development.