PACKAGING CONTAINERS (FORMS) FOR MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS

Bottle

The glass bottle still continues to be used for packaging of milk in some parts of the world. However in several developed countries and some of the developing countries it has lost ground to single service containers for packing milk.

Carton

The cartons are the preferred medium or form for packaging milk. They are also used for packaging liquid, frozen and coagulated milk products. Cartons are commonly made of food grade paper coated on the inside with wax or plastics; or lined with paper, plastic films or aluminium foil; or made of laminates.  

The merits include maximum space utilization in vehicles, and storage; ability to carry attractive printing and convenience as a means for stacking milk at super market shelves. Retailers in the developed countries consider it the best available package for self-service selling. Cartons also play a role in the bulk packaging of milk. Cartons are commonly available either as preformed containers or as pre cut blanks ready to be formed in to containers. The carton systems in common use are as follows.

Sachet / Bag / Pouch

Flexible waterproof plastic bags are commonly used for packaging milk and liquid dairy products. Since it is difficult to pour from these, a jug is usually also provided. The popular laminate for such bag is black or dark brown (to exclude UV light) or white. The bags may be formed from either a reeled or flat film. Generally it is a form-fill-seal system. Generally, ultra violet light is used to sterilize the films. The bags are heat-sealed and cut, the common sequence being to bottom seal, fill, move down on sachet length, top seal and cut off.

Can

This is commonly used for packaging all types of solid, semi solid and powdered dairy products. Cans are traditionally made of soldered tin plate steel, generally lacquered on the inner surface to prevent corrosion. Aluminium cans have now become famous. Cans are the most convenient for gas packing.

Box / Tub

It may be made up of wood or paper board. White wooden boxes / tubs are used for bulk packing of butter and butteroil with butter paper / plastic liners, paperboard boxes are generally used as over-wraps.

Barrel / Cask

Cup

They are generally made up of paper with wax or plastic coating on the inside. Used for packing frozen dairy products such as ice cream and coagulated milk products.

Collapsible tube

They are made up of aluminium and lacquered on the inside. Low cost, lightweight, ease of handling and dispensing, product protection are its advantages. Used for packing semi fluid products such as sweetened condensed milk, processed cheese spread etc.

A summary of packaging materials / containers used in Dairy Industry