Long life milk in plastic bottles

Reputedly the first dairy plant in South Africa and Africa to pack long life milk in plastic bottles, the opening attracted local and international guests from Germany and Britain, who were welcomed at Homsek with an opening prayer and a tour of the impressive dairy facility. This was followed by a trip to Nampak Liquid's Bloemfontein plant, where regional director Andre Beukes' team demonstrated how the sophisticated multilayer bottles are produced and then to local organic farmer and Homsek milk supplier, Boelie Griesel's farm, Oppiekoppie, providing a complete view of the entire new UHT milk bottling process.

Woolworths CEO Simon Susman officially unveiled the opening plaque and Philip de Weerdt, Nampak executive director, commended Homsek Dairy and Woolworths for having the foresight, belief and enthusiasm to embark on such a large scale and groundbreaking project.

The event signified the successful completion of a new journey in the South African dairy industry - a green field project of two years in the making, involving thousands of hours, productive collaboration, true pioneering work and a substantial investment.

Together, these partners have developed a special multilayer bottle and installed sophisticated processing and filling machinery to provide the milk with the stringent hygiene and barrier properties needed. The result is re-sealable convenience for the consumer, great tasting quality dairy and a string of packaging and beverage awards.