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New Zealand-based Synlait Milk is launching its first own brand consumer foods product – a reusable, 1.5 litre stainless steel bottle of homogenised milk.

Recyclability features of the Synlait Swappa Bottle.
Recyclability features: Synlait Swappa Bottle.

The Synlait Swappa Bottle is made from food-grade stainless steel, making it safe, refillable, infinitely recyclable, long lasting, light-proof and easy to sterilise. The bottle cap is recycled in bulk by Synlait, when returned with the bottle and the fully recyclable bottle sleeve is printed using vegetable-based inks.

The homogenised milk in the bottles is exclusively sourced from local milk farmers supported by Synlait Milk to run their farms with higher social and environmental standards.

The Synlait Swappa Bottle concept is simple – drink, return, repeat. Consumers purchase a Synlait Swappa Bottle of quality fresh milk (drink). They then return the empty Synlait Swappa Bottle and lid to the store (return), helping Synlait to reduce waste and eliminate plastic packaging (repeat).

In addition, consumers can track the reusability journey of each Synlait Swappa Bottle via a unique QR code located on the base of the bottle.

The unique reusability journey of each Synlait Swappa Bottle can be tracked via a unique QR code.
The reusability journey of each
Synlait Swappa Bottle can be tracked
via a unique QR code.

Synlait director sustainability & brand, Hamish Reid said: “In the things that we choose to eat and drink, we support the future we want to see. New Zealanders have been telling us for years that they are deeply concerned about plastic waste, but in milk, there haven’t been many options. Synlait Swappa Bottle is a step in the journey towards eliminating plastic waste. Each time we drink, return, repeat, we contribute to a better future.”

Synlait Swappa Bottles are initially being launched in two South Island New World stores, with plans to widen distribution over time. Synlait has signalled its intention to move closer to the consumer for some time. Its acquisition of Dairyworks in 2019 was the start of this and adding a Synlait-branded product strengthens and complements its current business portfolio and expertise.

“There’s an opportunity for reusables to play a much bigger role in New Zealanders’ food and beverage future, as they are already in Europe and the USA. In launching Synlait Swappa Bottle – a refillable, stainless-steel bottle that can be reused time and time again – we’re hoping to trigger change, added Reid.

The Synlait Swappa Bottle carries the B-Corp stamp representing Synlait’s 2020 certification and commitment to using business as a force for good.

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