With a projected compound annual growth rate of 2.9% through 2022, demand for food packaging reflects growth in the U.S. food industry overall, according to Food Packaging Trends & Advances, a report published in September 2015 by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Reston, Va. Globally, growth is even stronger.

Sustainability and product freshness are key factors in selecting the right packaging materials to not only protect dairy products but also control costs and improve consumer experience. Dairy processors need to keep in mind the role packaging plays in these key consumer demands.

New equipment is sized and priced for smaller dairies. Plus, dairy processors can lessen their carbon footprint by molding bottles from plastic resin or preforms.

Consumers' focus on sustainability, convenience and healthy lifestyles has placed new demands on manufacturers and the packaging they develop.

Our nation's schools send 5 billion milk and juice cartons to landfills each year. Clearly, there is work to be done. Your company can specify cartons made of paperboard, and you can get involved in your child’s school recycling efforts.

Aurora Organic Dairy has reduced its shuttling of products to and from cold storage by 90% by opening a new energy-efficient plant in Platteville, Colo.

Land O' Lakes Inc. has worked to reduce its environmental footprint through resource conservation, transportation, logistics and manufacturing efficiencies, and renewable energy on the farm, according to the company's 2014 Corporate Responsibility report.

Research shows that the use of sustainable packaging affects beverage buying decisions. An equipment maker talks about the growing interest in PET bottles.