Shoppers might have noticed milk bottles with clear caps over the past few months as supermarkets have trialled a colour change.
They have done this because the new clear caps are easier to recycle compared to the current coloured ones. With some trials having already successfully come and gone, certain supermarkets have decided that they will implement clear caps permanently from now on.
However, despite a mostly positive reception, some have complained that it's harder to tell bottles apart - although coloured labels will not be changing.
As Aldi launched its trial last year, Plastics and Packaging Director Richard Gorman said: "By trialling clear milk caps we are making our milk bottles easier to recycle, so they can be turned back into new packaging."
Lidl announced that clear milk caps would replace the green ones used for own-brand semi-skimmed and organic fresh milk in 2022.
Scott Davey, Senior Buying Director at Lidl said: "We remain committed to supporting our customers in helping them make more sustainable shopping decisions on a daily basis. Customer feedback during the trial was overwhelmingly positive and we are thrilled to be making this change permanent across Lidl stores.
"In addition, this move will help us achieve our goal of making more of the plastic we use circular and fit to be repurposed time and time again."
Clear milk caps have also been spotted in Sainsbury's and Waitrose own-brand bottles. While the caps are changing, labels will still feature colours allowing you to tell bottles apart.
However, some shoppers have recently admitted on social media that the colourless caps have left them confused.
One Waitrose shopper tweeted: "As if we haven’t got enough to worry about right now with energy costs/rising inflation, @waitrose decides to make all milk tops the SAME causing CHAOS when selecting correct bottle from fridge."
A Sainsbury's shopper wrote: "Why the hell they changed the blue or green top for milk bottles to clear one it doing my head, I keep thinking the top is off when making a breakfast or tea/coffee ..anyone doing the same ??"
Have you seen any clear bottle caps in your local store? Do you have any thoughts on the change? Let us know in the comments below.
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