JUGIT Container for Milk Pouch Packaging

RPC Containers Market Rasen’s expertise in the injection molding of unusually shaped containers has been instrumental in the launch of an exciting new concept in milk packaging, the JUGIT.

RPC Containers Market Rasen has launched JUGIT, a product designed to make bagged milk more acceptable to consumers. 

Developed by Dairy Crest in association with the Sainsbury’s supermarket chain, JUGIT offers consumers a pouch-based format that uses substantially less packaging material than conventional plastic milk containers, allied to the convenience of an easy-to-pour, reusable jug manufactured by RPC Market Rasen.

“Consumers are increasingly conscious about the environmental impact of packaging, and material reduction is a key means of improving this,” explains Richard Pryor, Innovation Controller at Dairy Crest.

“A huge amount of plastic is used annually in the manufacture of milk containers, but pouches require only 25% of the plastic found in the equivalent size of container, making them extremely attractive from the viewpoint of sustainability.”
RPC Market Rasen Enables Sainsbury's to 'JUGIT"

Dairy Crest trialled pouches in Sainsbury’s in 2001 but, while successful, the format was not deemed ready for the mainstream marketplace. Today, Pryor believes that consumers are now prepared to make the change.

“The example of countries such as Canada, where consumers have successfully switched to this ‘greener’ way of buying milk, suggests the same can be achieved in the UK.”

To encourage reusability of the JUGIT, the only part that needs to be cleaned between pouches is the spike attachment. JUGIT is sold with two of these, so that consumers do not have to wash the attachment before fitting each new pouch. A detachment handle is also supplied to enable greater flexibility in pouring.

Dairy Crest asked RPC Market Rasen to turn the JUGIT concept into a workable pack because of its proven track record in creating complex packaging formats. The fact that the site is UK based was also a factor, reducing the freight miles involved in delivery of the jug.

RPC Market Rasen worked closely with Dairy Crest, Vibrandt 1hq and pouch manufacturer Glopak to ensure seamless integration of the four parts of the JUGIT – jug, lid, spike and handle – as well as the necessary durability for long-term reuse.

The lid, spike and handle are injection molded in white # 5 PP, while clear material is used for the two pint jug. This enables the Sainsbury’s branded pouch to be seen throughout its product life, while Dairy Crest has also taken advantage of the clarity by placing the cardboard sleeve used to brand JUGIT inside the jug.

RPC Market Rasen is currently manufacturing JUGIT using a pilot mold to coincide with the trial launch of the format in selected Sainsbury’s stores. If the trial proves successful, full tooling will be commissioned to enable a full national launch in 2009.

Comments

[Randy Ludacer]

Seems like a good approach. I wonder if and when something like this will be offered in the US.

[emma rose]

Just to let you know that I think JUGIT is a fantastic concept. I'm currrently living in Australia, but have forwarded your article on to all my friends and family.

[nimmi]

i think it is a brilliant idea. but it does not do all it should,the milk does end up in the jug. the clips are not very sturdy and the nozzle lid is not very secure.