In today's competitive market, brands are facing increasing pressure to meet consumer demands for convenience, sustainability, and freshness. This shift in consumer preferences has pushed companies to innovate their dairy packaging to not only boost customer loyalty and brand recognition but also to offer eco-friendly options and a wider variety of shapes and sizes for dairy products. As brands strive to stand out in the market, creating packaging that aligns with these factors is essential for success in the ever-evolving dairy industry.
How can companies effectively align various factors in creating sustainable and recyclable rigid dairy packaging, while maintaining brand identity, functionality, and product protection? Let's explore some of the essential factors to consider when creating sustainable and recyclable rigid dairy packaging:
The selection of processing methods for dairy packaging is intertwined with the choice of materials and the desired performance of the final package. From cold-fill to aseptic processing, each method plays a pivotal role in determining the most suitable material for ensuring the safety and integrity of the product.
For example, if the packaging material will undergo high heat conditions, using a polymer with a high heat tolerance like polypropylene would be ideal. Or if the company has existing thermoforming or form fill seal equipment, they will want to evaluate alternatives against equipment capabilities and limitations to ensure that the material will offer compatibility with existing systems and processes to avoid unnecessary capital expenditure.
Design for recyclability is an essential step in achieving industry-wide goals for waste reduction & improved sustainability in packaging.
When it comes to recyclable dairy packaging design, there are five organizations whose guidelines have emerged as the standard for design for recyclable food packaging to help companies determine if their packaging solution can be effectively recycled including the APR Design Guide, US Plastics Pact Problematic & Unnecessary Materials List, How2Recycle, Walmart’s Recycling Playbook, RecyClass and the Consumer Goods Forum Golden Design Rules.
In addition to evaluating if the base material is recyclable at-scale in the US and abroad, these guides take it a step further by encouraging companies to evaluate how incorporation of different elements such as color, barrier materials, or inks & dyes used to impart design features may affect recyclability. In addition, the design guides provide guidance for additional packaging components outside of the rigid container including lidding films, caps & closures, labels, and banderols, so that companies can make sure that these necessary elements are not detrimental to recycling.
Outside of consumer's desire for improved sustainability in packaging, consumer preference for convenience and on-the-go products have resulted in an increase in the variety of dairy products packaging formats and sizes.
One of the ways in which brands are doing this is through adding versatility among packaging sizes. For example, consumers can choose from a selection of bulk tubs or single-serve cups for yogurt, individual cups vs bottles for creamers, etc. While these variations in size for the same product consider different consumer experiences, brands must also consider how these products will perform from a sustainability perspective. One consideration is if smaller-sized formats will pass the 2” minimum threshold to be effectively sorted through the ballistic sorting process at the MRF.
Further examples of how brands have innovated dairy packaging designs to elevate consumer experiences involve incorporating toppings like granola or candy, mixable fruits in yogurt products, or introducing features that allow products to be bundled and easily separated. For instance, there are designs with two compartments that flip open or yogurt multi-packs that effortlessly snap apart for individual consumption.
In every scenario, it is essential for companies to verify that the chosen material possesses the required mechanical attributes to fulfill these functional aspects, all while refraining from introducing materials, fillers, or additives that could potentially compromise recyclability. For instance, the inclusion of additives or mineral fillers aimed at enhancing rigidity could negatively impact the material's recyclability.
Resealable packaging, such as a resealable cheese & cracker snack-pack, or deli container, can also enhance consumer experience and by allowing them to store uneaten food in the same container and cut down on food waste and the resulting environmental implications.
Packaging not only plays a crucial role in safeguarding the product during distribution but also serves as a key factor in maintaining the safety, quality, and freshness of dairy products. It is essential to identify and address the shelf-life and sensory requirements of the product in the dairy packaging design process. This involves considering various elements such as food processing, protection against UV degradation, the supply chain, consumer appeal, and intended usage to ensure the longevity and appeal of the dairy product.
Given the vast array of dairy products on the market, the decision between barrier and non-barrier materials depends on factors such as the specific food item, storage conditions, and desired shelf-life. Companies must assess whether the intrinsic barrier properties, such as Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) and Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR), of the chosen material are sufficient. If not, the incorporation of specialized barrier materials should be evaluated, taking into consideration the potential impact on the recyclability of the packaging.
Interested in learning more about ICPG’s sustainable, functional and versatile solutions for dairy packaging? Download our Ultimate Guide to Rigid Dairy Product Packaging today: