UK: Asda to launch recycled-cardboard milk bottle

By: just-food.com | 12 August 2008

UK supermarket group Asda has launched a recycled-cardboard version of the milk bottle.

The company said it was introducing the first milk bottle in the UK to be 91% recycled (from waste office paper) and 99% recyclable.

The two litre milk bottle, created by GreenBottle, has a carbon footprint that is 48% lower than plastic, Asda said.

Chris Brown, head of ethical and sustainable sourcing at Asda, said: "Milk is one of our highest selling products, and as such, we have a responsibility to develop alternative packaging making it easier for our customers to go green and to help them recycle at home.

"Also, unlike products that are being trialled by other retailers such as the pouch, this milk bottle is robust, practical and fit for purpose, meaning there is no danger of spilled milk at breakfast time."

Simon King, chief executive of Greenbottle, said: "We are delighted to be distributing the GreenBottle through Asda, who have been incredibly supportive. Our partnership is a perfect example of how environmentally friendly products can be taken to the mainstream."

GreenBottles have an outer shell which is made from recycled paper, which can then be further recycled. The low density inner liner, which takes up less than 0.5% of the space of a traditional plastic bottle if put into a landfill, prevents liquid from contaminating the paper outer.

According to the latest government figures from WRAP, just 25% of plastic bottles in the domestic waste stream are currently recycled, with the rest going to landfill.

The new milk bottles will launch in the Lowestoft store in Suffolk, with plans for a wider roll out to take place to 14 stores throughout East Anglia later this year.

Sectors: Dairy, Retail

Companies: Asda