Trend Features
Elopak study confirms carton light protection benefits
06/16/2010
The Elopak Technology Centre (ETC) in Norway has recently announced the results of a study that provides conclusive documentation of Elopak cartons’ light protection benefits for both taste and quality of dairy products. The study was managed by Elopak’s Manager for Sensory Services Liv Bente Strandos and Director System Verification Dr Gunnar Rysstad.
Gunnar explains the reasons for the study, “Our customers and market units generally have different approaches and requirements regarding light protection for milk products. However the need for good documentation that demonstrates Elopak can provide a package that protects the quality of milk is a common factor.”
Liv Bente adds, “Milk is extremely sensitive to light. Exposure results in rapid oxidation reactions and the development of off-taste. The need for a light barrier is therefore necessary to protect milk quality. Most retail outlets store milk in lighted cabinets and unless a barrier is used, the products are exposed to sufficient light to cause quality changes.”
The study had two main objectives; firstly, to identify the difference in milk quality filled in Elopak’s classic carton with bleached board and Elopak’s carton with duplex clay coated unbleached board, and secondly to document the differences in light protection in terms of sensory quality and vitamin loss in milk between cartons and plastic bottles (PET and HDPE).
The cartons and plastic bottles were stored at 4.5oC for nine days in a lighted cabinet. All containers were filled with fresh semi-skimmed milk (1.5% fat) from the same production.
During the nine days, the milk was tested for sensory quality and vitamin degradation. The results indicated that after one day milk filled in plastic bottles develops a strong light-induced off-taste that is significantly stronger compared to milk filled in cartons which develops a just perceptible light-induced off-taste between days two and nine. There was a significant difference in levels of off-taste between the two Elopak cartons, indeed there was no light-induced off-taste detected in the duplex clay coated board at all. Liv Bente explains, “The test clearly shows that cartons are superior to plastic bottles in retaining good flavour in milk.”
In terms of vitamin loss, milk stored in plastic bottles loses 50% more vitamin A (Retinol) and vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) when exposed to light compared to cartons. There was no difference in vitamin loss between the two cartons tested.
Gunnar Rysstad concludes, “The ETC provides studies and documented results that support our customers and market units in providing the best possible package for their product. Product safety and quality can be better quantified and measured if supported by such studies. In today’s demanding retail environment with its supply chain challenges the consumer still expects high quality and taste from its milk. The tests demonstrate the ability of cartons to protect milk from light sensory loss and also provide extended shelf life. More customers are looking at Elopak’s duplex carton which is an excellent package for ESL products; however Elopak’s classic carton will always be in demand for fresh dairy and every day products.”
For more information on the ETC study from Elopak’s Food and Material Science contact Dr. Gunnar Rysstad; gunnar.rysstad@elopak.no.
