Arla Foods sets sights on fibre-based caps for milk cartons

Arla Foods explores fibre-based caps for milk cartons Blue Ocean Closures and Patrik Fahlin
Business

Dairy cooperative Arla Foods joins forces with Blue Ocean Closures to explore the creation of fibre-based caps for its milk cartons. This pioneering collaboration aims to significantly reduce Arla's plastic consumption by over 500 tonnes annually.

While cardboard milk cartons have evolved to become a sustainable and safe packaging option, Arla recognises the need to reimagine a crucial component—the cap. Comprising approximately 23% of the plastic used in Arla's cartons, the cooperative is committed to eliminating fossil-based virgin plastic from its packaging by 2030. By teaming up with Swedish start-up Blue Ocean Closures, Arla aims to introduce the dairy industry's first fibre-based cap for milk cartons.

Blue Ocean Closures, renowned for its expertise in sustainable packaging, utilises a sustainably sourced FSC fibre material for the cap's body, complemented by a thin barrier coating. The cap is designed to be biobased, ocean biodegradable, and recyclable as paper, achieved through advanced vacuum press forming techniques.

Arla Foods will provide funding for the project, enabling the development of a fully functional prototype and comprehensive testing, scheduled for completion by early next year.

Arla Foods explores fibre-based caps for milk cartons Blue Ocean Closures and Patrik Fahlin
Arla Foods in industry-first move as cooperative explores fibre-based caps for milk cartons © Blue Ocean Closures/Patrik Fahlin

While some may question why Arla doesn't remove the cap entirely, it's important to note that Arla previously removed the cap from its Danish organic range in 2020. However, this decision faced criticism from consumers who expressed concerns about convenience.

Chief Commercial Officer at Arla Foods Peter Giørtz-Carlsen, said: Improving our packaging, including reducing our use of plastic, is imperative to us and we know that consumers are also very invested in this area. This project to explore what could very well be the first fibre-based cap on milk cartons is very exciting and shows that we at Arla are constantly looking to improve and lead the transformation of sustainable packaging.

As a pioneer in sustainable packaging, Arla Foods continues to explore innovative solutions that balance sustainability goals with consumer preferences.

Latest Packaging News

Lantech’s case sealing solutions for milk processing and packaging facility
Supplier News

Lantech’s case sealing solutions for milk processing and packaging facility

Milkco stainless steel CS1000 case study Milkco, a milk processing and packaging facility located...
Autopack to host biggest packaging machinery stand at PPMA Total 2025
Supplier News

Autopack to host biggest packaging machinery stand at PPMA Total 2025

Leading independent integrator of packaging lines Autopack will showcase a range of cutting-edge...
Bradman Lake to showcase powerhouse packaging solutions at Pack Expo Las Vegas
Supplier News

Bradman Lake to showcase powerhouse packaging solutions at Pack Expo Las Vegas

Bradman Lake, a global powerhouse in packaging technology, will be exhibiting at Pack Expo Las...
Epson showcases innovative on-demand colour labelling solutions at PPMA Show 2025
Supplier News

Epson showcases innovative on-demand colour labelling solutions at PPMA Show 2025

Epson is set to make a strong impact at this year’s PPMA Show at the NEC, 23-25 September 2025,...
San Francisco 49ers launch reusable cup scheme at Levi’s Stadium
Sustainability

San Francisco 49ers launch reusable cup scheme at Levi’s Stadium

The San Francisco 49ers have launched a new reusable cup programme at Levi’s Stadium in partnership...