Packaging: A Global Tale of Culture and Habits

Packaging isn’t just about holding a product—it’s about serving its purpose effectively, reflecting local habits, cultures, and values. Take milk packaging, for example, where designs vary across countries to perfectly meet the needs of their consumers.

In Ontario, Canada

Milk comes in plastic bags—a packaging solution as practical as it is unique. Bags of milk are sold in bundles and placed in reusable pitchers, making them ideal for family-sized consumption.

Introduced during the 1970s metric conversion, bagged milk is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice that uses less plastic than rigid containers. It’s quirky and it works!

In Vietnam

Milk is primarily consumed by children and seniors, in Vietnam, often as a nutritional supplement rather than a daily staple.

Sweetened or flavored milk is popular, and the packaging reflects this: small, portable sizes like 110ml or 180ml are common.

Germany’s milk packaging is all about sustainability and efficiency.

Tetra Pak cartons, often with re-sealable caps, dominate the shelves. Long-lasting UHT milk is a staple, reflecting a culture that values practicality and eco-conscious living.

With advanced recycling systems in place, Tetra Pak aligns with Germany’s strong commitment to reducing waste and protecting the environment.

Korea’s banana milk packaging is a cultural icon.

Introduced in the 1970s to promote milk consumption, the small, rounded bottles are both cute and functional, appealing to people of all ages. Their compact size and approachable design helped make milk more desirable at a time when it wasn’t a dietary staple.

Today, the nostalgic packaging remains beloved and globally recognized, thanks in part to its frequent appearance in Korean dramas.

Milk packaging around the world demonstrates how design goes beyond functionality to reflect cultural values, consumer needs, and even marketing strategies. Whether it’s Canada’s unique pitchers, Vietnam’s portable milk cartons, Germany’s sustainable Tetra Paks, or Korea’s iconic banana milk bottles, packaging tells fascinating stories about the people it serves.
What does milk packaging look like in your country?