Carrefour introduces CO2-reduced milk carton pack in Spain

Carrefour, one of the biggest distribution chains in Europe, is offering three different types of UHT milk in the combibloc EcoPlus 1,000 ml aseptic carton pack in Spain.

The carton pack consists of the EcoPlus structure from SIG Combibloc, which the company says generates less CO2 compared to a conventional 1-liter carton pack of the same format.

The CO2 saved through the combibloc EcoPlus is up to 28% (depending on the opening solution), when compared to the conventional 1-liter carton pack of the same format from SIG Combibloc.

According to SIG Combibloc, the reduction is due to the material composition: more than 80% is unprocessed cardboard, which is made from the renewable and bio-based FSCTM-certified raw material wood, and gives the carton stability.

A thin polyamide layer serves as a barrier to protect the product from flavor loss and external odors. Added to this are fine polyethylene layers, inside and out. The inner layer forms a liquid barrier for the product; the outer layer keeps moisture out.

Redesign of product packaging

Xavier Appy, product optimization director at Carrefour, said thinking sustainably and acting sustainably is a fundamental part of the company’s principles.

“The most important aspects are: elimination of unnecessary packaging, reduction of raw materials; optimization of packaging sizes and logistics and the increased use of recycled and recyclable materials,” Appy said.

The design of more than 350 products was optimized last year.

Ana Ruiz del Arbol, marketing manager at SIG Combibloc Spain, said with the launch of UHT milk in combibloc EcoPlus, “Carrefour is taking a stand for the environment, and is leading the way in the Spanish market as a company that acts sustainably and responsibly.”

Full cream, semi-skimmed and low-fat milk will be sold under Carrefour’s private label. The products are filled by Spanish dairy product supplier Leche Celta, a member of the Lactogal Group.