New research shows 90 percent of dairy farmers know that light damages nutrients in milk, and 98 percent would work with a partner to make their packaging light protected.
However, fewer than a third (29 percent) of consumers are aware that light damages milk, with over half (55 percent) saying that supermarkets should be proactively looking to package milk in light-protected packaging.
Three in five dairy farmers (62 percent) say the whole supply chain should take responsibility for the issue.
Delaware-based Noluma International LLC, a light certification and packaging technology company, is calling on the entire dairy supply chain to take action and prevent further nutrient loss in Britain’s milk.
Nine in 10 (90 percent) United Kingdom (UK) dairy farmers say they are aware that light damages nutrients and taste in milk, with 62 percent saying the whole dairy supply chain should take responsibility for the issue, according to research published by Noluma International LLC.
Despite the widespread knowledge among dairy farmers, fewer than a third (29 percent) of consumers are aware that light damages milk even though scientific studies have shown that both natural and indoor lighting can impact the nutritional quality, taste and smell of dairy products. Independent testing by Cornell University has shown that some nutrients, in particular protein and vitamin B2 (riboflavin), can decrease by 28 percent after just 20 minutes of light exposure.
Consumers also believe that retailers should take action, with over half (55 percent) saying that supermarkets should be proactively looking to package milk products in “light protected” packaging. These findings signal the need for the whole dairy supply chain to be more transparent about the issue of light damage and take measures now to prevent the negative impact on its nutrients and quality, according to the report.
“Despite dairy farmers being aware that light causes damage to their milk, consumers just don’t have the same level of knowledge,” said Divya Chopra, CEO of Noluma. “When they do, however, they want to do something about it. We want to encourage the entire dairy supply chain—from distributors to supermarkets—to take action on light protected packaging, ensuring that the milk UK dairy farmers are so proud to produce reaches consumers with the nutrients that they expect.”
The research also finds that over three-quarters (77 percent) of dairy farmers are concerned that the quality of their products may diminish before they reach consumers because of current packaging standards. Most farmers surveyed (90 percent) say that they would like to be more involved in decisions around the packaging of their products to ensure it is as effective as possible.
“Despite how little dairy [products are] adequately protected from light, it’s clear that there is a desire among UK dairy farmers to ensure that their milk is the best it possibly can be,” Chopra said. “That’s why we are introducing light-protection certification so that everyone—from farmer to consumer—can be confident that they’re getting the nutritious, tasty product they expect.”
Noluma International LLC is a global company with representatives throughout the world. Noluma laboratories are located in the USA, Taiwan and in the EU. Noluma offers light protection measurement, design and certification of packaging for consumer-packaged goods. The Noluma logo certifies that packaging meets the gold standard for light protection, ensuring that what’s inside has the quality, freshness, nutritional elements, efficacy and sensory qualities promised.
