I can see clearly now: Müller trials recyclable milk bottle caps with consumer support

10 Mar 2022 --- Müller is partnering with Waitrose on a trial to replace colored milk bottle caps with clear ones. Müller says the move could boost the availability of recycled HDPE (rHDPE) on the market by 1,560 metric tons annually. 

Unlike fully recyclable plastic milk bottles, colored milk caps cannot currently be recycled back into food-grade packaging. Introducing clear caps enables retention of the material for reuse within the food sector.

With demand for rHDPE reportedly outstripping supply, keeping the material within a closed loop system can help drive up its availability and reduce dependency on virgin plastic.

Müller’s fresh milk bottles are manufactured in-house, 100% recyclable and contain up to 40% food-grade recycled material, says the company.

Counting on consumers
Research conducted by Müller, which buys a fifth of all milk produced on Britain’s farms, shows consumers generally support the swap to clear caps for increased recyclability.

Müller says the move could boost the availability of rHDPE by 1560 metric tons per year.Müller found that just over half of all shoppers look for the color of milk caps when selecting their milk in store, while others either use the different colored labels, remember the previous location in the fridge or use the fixture signage.

But eight out of ten shoppers said, given the choice, that they would choose a bottle of milk which used a clear cap which could be recycled into food-grade material over a colored one that could not.

Innova Market Insights has identified “Caps Uncovered” to be one of the top packaging trends for 2022. The statement “100% recyclable, excluding the cap” has been a feature of bottles for some time. However, as Innova Market Insights highlights, new EU legislation is concentrating efforts on caps as necessary and active components of the circular economy.

Caps on trial
Following years of collaboration with Waitrose and an in-house trial, Müller is expanding its partnership with the supermarket to trial clear caps in all 331 of its shops from April 4-30, 2022.

Liam McNamara, commercial director at Müller Milk & Ingredients, says: “Everyone is thinking more about what they buy, the nutritional benefits, the value it represents and the packaging used.”Eight out of ten shoppers said they would choose a bottle of milk with a clear cap because it can be recycled.

“We want to be the partner of choice for our customers, we recognize the commitments they are making in this area, and following a successful trial period, then this is another step we can offer.”

“As the first dairy company in the UK to trial clear caps on fresh milk, we are working hard to innovate and lead in issues that are not only important for customers, but for consumers too.”

Last month, Paccor unveiled caps with a minimum 30% rHDPE for dairy products in line with the upcoming UK Plastic Packaging Tax. The tax requires at least 30% recycled plastic in all plastic packaging from April 2022. 

In related news, Morrisons supermarket’s decision to switch its own-brand fresh milk from plastic bottles to Tetra Pak cartons has ignited a debate over whether this is a commendable decision to reduce plastic or a greenwashing stunt that could actually lead to more waste.

By Natalie Schwertheim