By Catherine Dawes

Dairy Crest's refillable milk jug, Jugit, will be available in more than 200 Sainsbury's and Waitrose stores nationwide after the extension of the product's distribution contract.

 

Jugit, manufactured by RPC Market Rasen in Lincolnshire, was initially launched in 35 Sainsbury's stores in April last year.

 

The plastic jug can be refilled with bags of milk, which, according to Dairy Crest, use 75% less packaging than standard HDPE milk bottles.

 

"This is the type of innovative concept in which clever, practical packaging can make a real difference to consumers," said RPC Market Rasen general manager Bruce Margetts.

 

"Our next challenge is to develop the environmentally optimised supply chain infrastructure required for the milk bags," added Dairy Crest innovations controller Richard Pryor.

 

Jugit uses a two-part lid with a hollow spike attachment, which perforates the milk bag when it is placed inside the jug. The main body of the lid secures the bag in place.

 

Vibrandt Form in Windsor is currently working on a redesign for Jugit to make it easier to use.

 

The redesigned Jugit is due to be released later this year.

From: packagingnews.co.uk