Packaging Technologies-Dairy Processors

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Pack Expo Las Vegas (along with Healthcare Packaging Expo) will make its live return Sept. 27-29 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

When it comes to their sustainability efforts, dairy processors would be wise to count product packaging as a critical element. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, containers and packaging make up a major portion of the United States’ municipal solid waste, amounting to 82.2 million tons in 2018 alone (the latest year for which data are available).

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important subject for dairy processors. With more operators seeking to “go green” to meet the growing eco-focus by consumers, retailers, and business partners, the ability to reduce wastewater and energy during production can cut costs while enhancing a company’s “eco halo.”

When it comes to the efficient transportation of milk and other dairy products, time is tight. Dairy processors must move selections in the most effective manner if they are to minimize operational expenses while maintaining food integrity and safety.

The small town of Arkansas City, Kan., also known as Ark City, is home to the Cowley County Waterfall, which Yahoo Travel included in its 2014 "Top 12 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in America" list. It is also home to a decidedly less touristy, but arguably equally fascinating, "attraction": a KanPak US dairy processing facility that employs aseptic technologies to create custom shelf-stable liquid-based products for quick-service restaurants, retail and other customers.

New equipment from Air Cleaning Blowers LLC, Festo, and Paxton Products

Selecting the optimal packaging for their specific products and operating infrastructures can be an onerous endeavor for dairy processors. Companies seeking to maximize product quality, operating efficiencies and revenues must sort through a growing plethora of rigid and flexible options that consist of varying materials and elements.

For more than 60 years, Batavia, N.Y.-based O-At-Ka Milk Products has co-packed dairy-based products. One of O-At-Ka's bright spots has been the growing demand for co-packed ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages such as milk-based coffees, teas, energy drinks, nutritional offerings and ethnic selections.