Woodlands Dairy has been named the winner in the Responsible Packaging Design category at
the 2025 Petco Awards for our innovative ECO+ tethered cap. This prestigious recognition
affirms our ongoing commitment to responsible packaging and our mission to Choose Good—for
people, the planet, and future generations.
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At first glance, the ECO+ tethered cap—launched on our First Choice Extended Shelf-Life milk
cartons—may appear to be a minor packaging update. But its impact is anything but small.
Developed and marketed by Svallin, CueCap ECO+ is made entirely from renewable materials
and is up to 30% lighter than conventional caps, reducing plastic use at source.
Most notably, the cap remains securely attached to the carton throughout its lifecycle. This
design significantly lowers the risk of litter, ensures easier recycling, and aligns with global best
practices in circular packaging. In fact, tethered caps have already been mandated in the
European Union under the Single-Use Plastics Directive, requiring that caps remain attached to
beverage containers by 2024 to curb plastic pollution. Similar regulations are being considered in
other markets around the world, reflecting a growing consensus that packaging innovation must
prioritise environmental impact.
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By introducing this solution to the South African dairy industry, Woodlands Dairy is proud to be
the first local dairy producer to bring tethered cap technology to market—setting a new standard
for responsible packaging in our region.

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The ECO+ tethered cap is a cornerstone of our broader sustainability strategy, rooted in circular
design, renewable materials, and environmental stewardship. At Woodlands Dairy, we view
every component of our packaging not as waste but as a resource - something to be reused,
reduced, or reimagined for a more sustainable future.

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We extend our sincere gratitude to Petco for this honour and for their ongoing leadership in
championing sustainable packaging practices in South Africa. We are privileged to collaborate
with industry peers who are equally committed to reducing waste, improving recyclability, and
building a truly circular economy.

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From product innovation to post-consumer recovery, we believe that sustainability must be
intentional, inclusive, and measurable. The ECO+ tethered cap is just one example of how we
are investing in packaging solutions that serve both present needs and future generations.
This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and vision of our internal
team, the support of our packaging partners, and the trust of our loyal customers. Together, we
are proving that small innovations—like a cap that stays connected—can create big change.

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Thank you for Choosing Good with us

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