Dairy packaging requires special care and attention. Different dairy products have different packaging options. But one important factor to consider is to maintain the freshness of the product. Packaging manufacturers and suppliers have come up with wide range of films, bags, laminates and equipment for packaging bulk dairy products, as well as, consumer portioned items, by considering such factors like protecting the flavors and textures throughout display and distribution.

Types of dairy products

• Milk : Powdered and liquid
• Fermented Milk
• Whey Based Drinks
• Curds
• Cheese
• Cottage Cheese
• Cream
• Butter etc.

Branding in packaging
Packaging is an integral part of the brand identity. The packaging of any dairy product should deliver consumer expectations of natural dairy taste and freshness, and should have a unique natural appeal and should extended shelf life. Dairy packaging has three main functions to perform :

• To contain the product.
• To protect the product.
• To sell the product.

Types of dairy packaging

• Pouch/Sachet : The pouch or sachets are formed from either a reeled or flat film. UV light may be used to sterilize the film. It is used to package butter, cheese, milk powder etc.
  
  
• Carton : It plays a very important role in the bulk packaging of milk. It is used for liquid, frozen and coagulated milk products. It is mainly available as preformed containers or as precut blanks or sheets ready to be formed into containers.
  
  
• Packet : Usually made of plastic, it is used to keep pasteurized liquid milk.
  
  
• Barrel : Barrels are usually made of wood and are coated with wax on the inside. They are used for bulk packaging of semi-solid buttermilk, sweetened condensed milk, etc.
  
  
• Cup : Cups are made up of paper with plastic or wax coating on inner surface. They are usually covered with a lid and used for frozen and coagulated products.
  
  
• Cans : This is popularly used for various types of solid, semi-solid and powdered products. Aluminum cans widely used. They are the most convenient for gas packing and suitable for dairy packaging.
  
  
• Bottles : Made of glass with aluminum closures, the bottles are suitable for storing milk shakes and liquid stuffs.
  
  
• Collapsible Tube : It is used for packaging semi-fluid products like sweetened condensed milk, processed cheese spread etc. It is usually made up of aluminum and lacquered on the inner side.

Types of materials used in making dairy packaging

• Metalized plastic films
• PVDC coated films
• Plastic
• Paper
• Nylon
• LDPE
• Laminates
• Polyolefin
• Polypropylene
• LDPE polyethylene
• LLDPE polyethylene etc.