Packaging

JUGITTM success goes nationwide

A new packaging system for milk, which includes a jug manufactured by RPC Containers Market Rasen for Dairy Crest, has been so successful that it is now been extended to over 200 Sainsbury’s and Waitrose stores across the country.

Wednesday 15. April 2009 - A new packaging system for milk, which includes a jug manufactured by RPC Containers Market Rasen for Dairy Crest, has been so successful that it is now been extended to over 200 Sainsbury’s and Waitrose stores across the country.

The milk bag and JUGIT system has received such a positive consumer reaction since its launch in April 2008 that the two retailers have extended coverage country-wide.
Richard Pryor, Innovations Controller at Dairy Crest, says; “We have been absolutely delighted by the response to the launch. JUGIT, has struck a chord with consumers and as a result the store distribution has already increased beyond our initial expectations. Following this success Dairy Crest is pleased to announce that the contract to supply JUGIT for the next phase of the project, both nationally and internationally, has been awarded to RPC at Market Rasen,”

RPC Market Rasen is also extremely happy with the success of the project. “This is the type of innovative concept in which clever, practical packaging can make a real difference to consumers,” comments Bruce Margetts, General Manager at RPC Market Rasen. “We’re delighted that we will be continuing to work with Dairy Crest to take JUGIT nationwide.”

The JUGIT system offers consumers a pouch-based format that uses substantially less packaging material than conventional plastic milk containers. The milk bag system offers a 75% less packaging weight advantage over ‘poly bottles’ – currently the normal way that supermarket milk is sold.

“We know from our research that the majority of consumers trying JUGIT find it easy to use,” says Richard. “They like the additional benefit of its easy-open, easy-pour system. They also appreciated that they could easily close the jug after use and were pleased to learn that the bags are exceptionally strong.”

The secret to JUGIT’s success is an innovative two-part lid featuring a hollow spike attachment, which perforates the pouch as a natural consequence of assembly. After the pouch is dropped into the jug and the main body of the lid closed, trapping the top of the bag using secure clips, the spike is inserted to perforate the pouch. The top of the attachment then flips open to provide a handy, recloseable pouring spout.

Richard confirms that there have been several trials of milk bags over the years but it’s the new JUGIT which has given consumers the confidence to be comfortable using bags and so support their environmental benefit.

“Our next challenge is to develop the environmentally optimised supply chain infrastructure required for the milk bags to out to meet the longer term consumer demand” he says, “It’s a really exciting time for this part of the dairy industry and Dairy Crest and RPC are proud to be a driving force in this initiative.”