PD Ďumbier switches to carton packaging to reduce plastic waste

SLOVAKIA – Slovak dairy company PD Ďumbier has taken a significant step toward sustainability by replacing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with Pure-Pak Sense cartons across its entire Agravital range of fresh milk and yoghurt products.

This strategic transition has slashed the cooperative’s plastic use for chilled beverage packaging by 80%, marking a bold commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Located in Brezno, central Slovakia, PD Ďumbier is a long-established agricultural cooperative known for its quality dairy production.

The company operates with a vision of blending traditional farming values with modern packaging innovation, aiming to minimize plastic and packaging waste while offering products with a lower environmental footprint.

The new Pure-Pak Sense cartons, developed by Elopak, are made from renewable materials and feature natural brown board, reinforcing their eco-credentials.

Fully recyclable, the cartons support circular economy goals by reducing reliance on fossil-based materials and offering consumers a more sustainable packaging alternative.

PD Ďumbier has also invested in a new filling line to support the shift to cartons, ensuring its operations are aligned with modern production standards.

The move allows the Agravital brand to benefit not only from reduced plastic waste but also from the expanded branding space that cartons provide.

Unlike traditional PET bottle labels, carton surfaces can convey more detailed product information, sustainability messaging, and branding elements, enhancing consumer engagement at the point of sale.

General Director Peter Lukáč highlighted the cooperative’s motivation behind the change, “We entered milk processing as farmers to provide consumers with high-quality, farm-made products.

“A premium product also deserves premium, timeless packaging with an appealing design. That’s why we decided to switch to packaging that is more ecological and better recyclable than PET.”

PD Ďumbier sources all of its milk from cows grazing in the Horehronie region, ensuring freshness by processing it on the same day it’s collected.

Its Agravital brand serves a wide network of Slovak retailers, including small local shops and major supermarket chains such as Kaufland and COOP.

By adopting eco-friendly carton packaging, PD Ďumbier aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable choices while reinforcing its position as one of Slovakia’s most forward-thinking dairy producers.

The initiative reflects a broader industry shift towards reducing single-use plastics and embracing low-impact packaging solutions.

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