RPC launches Modul milk bottle made from sugar cane

The company is also developing a feature, believed to be ‘a European first,’ to mix the polymer with a mineral filler, to reduce the amount of polymer needed for each bottle, enhancing its environmental profile.

Renewable & sustainable packaging

Armina Nilsson, sustainability manager, Skånemejerier, said the one liter milk bottle is in response to a growing interest in the environment and sustainability, claiming consumers take a greater interest in the type of food they are buying, as well as the packaging.

Jan Weier, senior sales manager, RPC Promens Consumer Nordics, added that, according to Euromonitor​, one of the Top 10 Global Trends in 2016 is greener food.

“There has been strong growth in organic food products in recent years and this has now led to more attention being paid to how they are packed. By using this new material, we can offer our customers a renewable and sustainable packaging​,” he said.

'Greenwashing'

In the report, Daphne Kasriel-Alexander, consumer trends consultant, Euromonitor International, claims in 2016, more of us will be eating greener. More people will care about cutting down on food waste in and beyond the home, try harder to avoid unhealthy food and overeating, and be keener on more natural, local and seasonal food.

She added, consumption in 2016 is an interesting blend of established and new trends with countertrends, which are challenging ways of living and buying. Global instability, “greenwashing” - insincere brand displays of concern for the environment - and financial hardship have more people becoming “changemakers” to create a better world.

Consumers are challenging gender stereotypes and the consumption that shapes them too, while “agnostic shoppers” disregard loyalty to labels, “perfect produce” and best-before dates, as they search for innovative routes to value.

“Part of the picture is the growing consumer acceptance of “non-perfect” produce, consumer interest in transparency throughout the production process and an accompanying story that makes them feel good about their consumption choices too​,” she said.

“The sustainability-led International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) claims half the world’s food is thrown away. Social media is buzzing with consumer discussion and new initiatives indicate global distaste for food waste​.”

Choice of closures

The one liter white blow-molded Modul bottle is available with a choice of closures and features a four-sided label applied by RPC Promens.

“The bottle from RPC Promens is ideal for our milk​,” said Thore Bengtsson, strategic purchaser, Skånemejerier.

“We have an excellent working relationship with the company and their ability to handle the tight deadlines for this project was particularly beneficial​.”