Packaging

JUGIT Redesign Hits Shelves Nationwide

Thursday 03. June 2010 - RPC Containers Market Rasen has redesigned the innovative reusable JUGIT, the core of Dairy Crest’s innovative new concept in milk packaging that is being rolled-out nationwide in Sainsbury’s stores following a successful trial.

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. Once placed into the reusable JUGIT, a spike perforates the bag so it is ready to pour.

Sainsbury’s is so impressed by JUGIT that the retailer has rolled-out the system to all UK stores. “Sainsbury’s has been immensely supportive of the milk bag initiative throughout the project, seeing the environmental benefits in terms of reducing packaging waste and a lower carbon footprint compared to plastic milk bottles,” explains Richard Pryor, Innovations Controller at Dairy Crest.

At the same time, the JUGIT has been redesigned to enhance its convenience and performance. “While the initial trial was hugely successful, we took the opportunity to see what improvements could be made,” confirms Bruce Margetts, General Manager of RPC Market Rasen. “The new JUGIT is more robust, more aesthetically pleasing and easier to use.”

The changes reflect feedback of consumers’ practical experiences in preparing the JUGIT for use. Initially, the consumer had to hold the corner of the bag to ensure its correct placement before inserting a detachable spike attachment to puncture the bag. In the new design, the bag is secured with an integral clip and the spike is part of the lid, automatically perforating the bag upon closure.

The revamped JUGIT also features a change to the detachable handle, which now attaches to the outside of the container. Consumer feedback had highlighted that the original design, where the handle clipped to the inside of the JUGIT, was inconvenient as it meant the lid had to be reopened if the handle was not secured.

“RPC has been a tremendous creative and practical resource throughout the development of JUGIT and the latest design is proof of the company’s expertise in getting the most out of a packaging concept,” comments Richard Pryor. “These are exciting times for JUGIT and we look forward to seeing how consumers respond to the system.”