Even though traditional packaging has almost become extinct, Slovak supermarkets are still carrying milk packaged in recyclable plastic bags.
Some 25 years ago carrying bagged milk was the only option for the customers in the then Czechoslovakia. Along with mineral waters in green glass bottles, these white plastic bags used to characterise grocery shops during the Socialism era.
Milk bags use less plastic than traditional milk jugs and are usually placed in reusable plastic pitchers, especially designed for milk bags. Budget buyers in Slovakia used to wash out the bags and re-use them to carry sandwiches.
Nowadays in Slovakia, many of the large supermarket chains again carry milk packed in strong plastic bags. Billa, member of Germany's REWE Group, said this item constitutes up to five per cent of their total milk sales. Marketing director Oliver Vališ said that many of the customers buy milk in bags due to nostalgia.
But it is not only pleasant memories that keep milk bags alive. A bag contains 75 per cent less plastic than the milk bottles, and thus less energy is used in making them.
Coop Jednota also sells bagged milk produced by Agro-Bio Hubice. The Slovak chain said that other than for nostalgic reasons, customers are likely to choose this product for its good taste.
Years ago, Sainsbury’s introduced milk bags in the UK. Sales had surprised even the Sainsbury’s management, as consumers adapted quickly to the idea. Customers in South Africa, Argentina, Poland, Hungary and many other countries can also buy milk in bags, however, Canada is said to be the largest nation where bagged milk is a common sight. Today, about 50 per cent of Canada’s fluid milk market is supplied in pouch packaging, Environment and Plastics Industry Council claims.
© 2014 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article written by László Juhász
