Arla Foods has partnered with Swedish start-up Blue Ocean Closures to develop the first fiber-based caps suitable for milk cartons. These caps are made from FSC-certified fiber material and a thin barrier coating, and are fully biodegradable and recyclable as paper. By removing plastic screw caps, which currently make up around 23% of the plastic used in Arla’s milk cartons, the company could reduce its plastic consumption by over 500 tons per year.
A spokesperson for Arla stated that this change would be a significant step towards the company’s goal of eliminating the use of fossil-based plastic in its packaging by 2030. Additionally, Arla aims to lead the development of sustainable packaging in the industry. The representative explained that the technology for fiber-based caps was not ready in previous years, but now it has reached a level of maturity where it can be implemented.
Regarding recyclability, Arla explained that while cardboard packaging is recyclable, barriers made with aluminum create challenges for recycling. However, the new fiber-based caps can be recycled as paper in the current waste handling systems, especially in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, and Germany.
Arla emphasized that the fiber-based caps must perform at the same level as plastic caps to avoid increasing food waste. They are focused on developing a potential solution with Blue Ocean Closures. The material used for the caps remains proprietary, but Arla assured that it is fully degradable.
Arla believes that cardboard milk cartons are already a near-optimal choice for food safety and sustainability. The next step is to make them more practically recyclable. Some markets have already implemented waste handling systems for cardboard beverage cartons, while others are in the final stages of implementation, such as Denmark with its recent waste sorting category for cardboard beverage cartons.
The partnership between Arla and Blue Ocean Closures aims to develop a prototype and complete testing by early 2024. The testing phase will focus on functionality, sustainability, and potential production at scale. Although some may suggest eliminating caps altogether, Arla has already tried that approach and faced criticism from consumers who value the convenience of caps.
Peter Giørtz-Carlsen, CCO at Arla Foods, acknowledged the consumers’ preference for caps and stated that the company wants to provide the best possible option. Therefore, the collaboration aims to create a superior cap.