Green Milk Benefits are Stacking up -- Literally
July 1, 2008 -- According to Sam's Club, "Members are reaching for a fresh alternative in the dairy cooler -- a square shaped gallon that represents a packaging change consistent with the transformation of milk from pitchers to glass bottles in the late 1800's and then cardboard cartons to plastic gallons in the early 1950's."
Yet according to Stephanie Rosenbloom's article in The New York Times, "Solution or Mess? A Milk Jug for the Green Earth," consumer response is not quite as positive. She writes, "What's not to like? Plenty, as it turns out. The jugs have no real spout, and their unorthodox shape makes consumers feel like novices at the simple task of pouring a glass of milk."
Comments from those experiencing the in-store demos according to Rosenbloom include: "I hate it;" "It spills everywhere;" and "It's very hard for kids to pour."
This new square or "case-less" milk jug does not require crates or racks for shipping and storage, so the milk gallon is self stacking because the spout is flatter and each gallon can rest on another during transport, as well as while on display. Sam's Club says it estimated that trucks used for shipping from the processor to club can accommodate 9 percent more milk now, which is the equivalent to 4,704 gallons per truck or approximately 384 more jugs, without any metal racks. The figures are "based on initial research with a limited number of suppliers." The company also estimates the new case-less jug will offer consumers a cost savings of 10 to 20 cents.
Another claim that goes along with the new design is that the flat top and wider spout do not come in contact with other equipment during filling "reducing the risk of possible contamination."
Sustainable is Good, a Web site dedicated to covering "all aspects of sustainable packaging including new innovations, branding, marketing, materials and news," says that Europeans have been experimenting with milk in pouch style packaging, yet it is the square jug that is suddenly getting the most attention. "The packaging style is not a new concept, but could represent a new direction in milk container packaging in the United States."
Square case-less milk packaging isn't a new idea, according to the blog as the owners of Ohio-based Superior Dairy invented and began using this type of milk packaging back in 1998. (See graphic below).
DailyTech.com reports that Superior Dairy, spun off a unit called Creative Edge which creates food packaging. "They devised the clever jug which can be packed tightly with no crates." The article also notes that the company has cut their labor costs in half and water costs by 60 percent to 70 percent; and they now only need two trips a week to each Sam's Club store, instead of five.
With consumer's growing concern over the environment, along with rising prices, time will tell whether this pull is strong enough to overcome "spilled milk."
Yet according to Stephanie Rosenbloom's article in The New York Times, "Solution or Mess? A Milk Jug for the Green Earth," consumer response is not quite as positive. She writes, "What's not to like? Plenty, as it turns out. The jugs have no real spout, and their unorthodox shape makes consumers feel like novices at the simple task of pouring a glass of milk."
Comments from those experiencing the in-store demos according to Rosenbloom include: "I hate it;" "It spills everywhere;" and "It's very hard for kids to pour."
This new square or "case-less" milk jug does not require crates or racks for shipping and storage, so the milk gallon is self stacking because the spout is flatter and each gallon can rest on another during transport, as well as while on display. Sam's Club says it estimated that trucks used for shipping from the processor to club can accommodate 9 percent more milk now, which is the equivalent to 4,704 gallons per truck or approximately 384 more jugs, without any metal racks. The figures are "based on initial research with a limited number of suppliers." The company also estimates the new case-less jug will offer consumers a cost savings of 10 to 20 cents.
Another claim that goes along with the new design is that the flat top and wider spout do not come in contact with other equipment during filling "reducing the risk of possible contamination."
Sustainable is Good, a Web site dedicated to covering "all aspects of sustainable packaging including new innovations, branding, marketing, materials and news," says that Europeans have been experimenting with milk in pouch style packaging, yet it is the square jug that is suddenly getting the most attention. "The packaging style is not a new concept, but could represent a new direction in milk container packaging in the United States."
Square case-less milk packaging isn't a new idea, according to the blog as the owners of Ohio-based Superior Dairy invented and began using this type of milk packaging back in 1998. (See graphic below).
DailyTech.com reports that Superior Dairy, spun off a unit called Creative Edge which creates food packaging. "They devised the clever jug which can be packed tightly with no crates." The article also notes that the company has cut their labor costs in half and water costs by 60 percent to 70 percent; and they now only need two trips a week to each Sam's Club store, instead of five.
With consumer's growing concern over the environment, along with rising prices, time will tell whether this pull is strong enough to overcome "spilled milk."