The dairy industry is on the cusp of a new era of packaging innovation, driven largely by sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets that require investment in new packaging solutions to limit food waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce landfilling. 

Dairy processors’ sustainability goals require many aspects, as are discussed throughout this issue. One important stop on the path to climate and carbon neutrality is sustainable packaging. 

An integrated design approach appears to be the next frontier for the fluid milk market, where the minimum input is used to get the maximum use of materials at the end. This can only come about by the value chain working together, namely raw materials suppliers, equipment manufacturers, e.g. of blow molding equipment, distribution equipment manufacturers, e.g. of crate packing equipment, processors/brand owners and retailers.