Müller is set to replace the current coloured milk caps on its own label and branded milk ranges with clear, fully recyclable alternatives.
Looking to complete the switch by next summer, the process began earlier this month and phase one is set to end in December, which involves adding clear caps to its green semi-skimmed milk.
The milk suppliers current caps are recyclable and made of at least 30% recycled material (rHDPE), however are unable to be recycled back into food-grade packaging, while its new clear caps hold higher retention and can be reused within the food industry.
As demand for rHDPE is outstripping supply, this move to a ‘close loop system’ is also expected to increase the availablility on the market by 1560 tonnes per year.
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This comes following Müller’s coloured cap replacement trials in partnership with Waitrose earlier this year.
Looking to reduce plastic waste, the trial saw the switch taking place across 331 Waitrose branches and according to Müller’s research, eight out of 10 shoppers said they would welcome the change and choose a clear cap over a coloured one.
“The humble rHDPE milk bottle is already a tremendous example of the circular economy, but we wanted to do more,” Müller CEO Rob Hutchison said.
“We want to be the partner of choice for our customers, so we will continue to deliver outstanding levels of service and quality, but also innovate and lead on issues like this which are hugely important, not only for shoppers, but for our customers too.”
In August, Müller also ran a sustainability drive across its cream pots, launching a plan to cut 500 tonnes of plastic from its production by switching to packaging made from sustainable materials.
As a result, the dairy company has converted 75% of its cream volume to rPET pots which are 100% recyclable and contain 82% recycled material.
