News

Two UK retailers plan to expand the use of alternative packaging formats for milk after they were well received by consumers during trials.

Waitrose tested solid plastic film packs, in conjunction with Welsh organic farming group Calon Wen, at 21 of its stores last summer.

Following a "positive" response from customers, it aims to extend its use into more branches "in the near future". To go with the Eco Pak format, the multiple sells refillable milk jugs for £1.99.

Richard Tomlinson, chairman of Calon Wen, said the response to the Eco Pak showed consumers were "willing to try relatively new concepts" to help reduce the packaging they use.

"We are now in discussions with retailers about rolling out the concept so that the Eco Pak is more available for people to buy," he said.

Meanwhile, Asda is to extend the Greenbottle to other stores in East Anglia following trials in Lowestoft, where customers had "enjoyed the product".

The Greenbottle, used by Suffolk dairy Marybelle, consists of a recycled cardboard bottle with a plastic liner.

An Asda spokeswoman said the multiple was working with a local dairy, because shipping around the country would "defeat the object" of having an environmentally friendly container.