Packaging Index (PAX) for yogurt – 11 packages compared

Part 4 of our blog series ‘PAX’: After the juices, shampoos and conditioners, and most recently the nuts, this time we analyze a total of eleven yoghurt packages in terms of performance, sustainability and design. Although the packaging in this product segment is very similar in many respects, it repeatedly reveals special features, which makes the comparison extremely interesting. In the following, we will reveal which yoghurt performs best in which evaluation dimension and for what reasons, and which packaging achieves the highest Packaging Index (PAX) overall. Before we do so, we will briefly describe the three evaluation dimensions for those of you who are encountering our PAX for the first time.

The contents of the 3 assessment dimensions explained in compact form

Performance: 8 criteria from the areas of performance at the point of sale (POS), product protection and use

This is about performance-specific features that are important for retailers and consumers, as well as in terms of disposal.

Sustainability: 5 criteria from the areas of material, construction and labeling

This is about sustainability-specific features that are important for recycling and environmental protection.

Design: 8 criteria from the areas of product and brand presentation, artwork and structural design

This is about design-specific features that are important for product and brand presentation.

Evaluation dimension: Performance – and the winner is…

Ehrmann Almighurt squeezable stand-up pouch with 317.5 points!

Our performance winner from Ehrmann is a yoghurt for at home and on the go. Its packaging is particularly impressive due to its enormous robustness, which in turn ensures a particularly high level of product protection. Even in the drop test, the packaging remains completely intact – it does not break, deform or open unintentionally. This remarkable resistance is a clear advantage over competitors.

Furthermore, the Ehrmann squeeze bag scores points for its ease of use. The bag is easy to open and can be closed again. To take out the yoghurt, you simply press the packaging in slightly or “roll” the contents out.

The consumer-friendly squeeze bag also scores performance points for its appealing presentation at the point of sale: it is presented standing upright in the tray and stands out clearly from the competition.

In second place is the Landliebe yogurt, which stands out due to its unusual shape and receives 295 points for its performance.

Further findings from the performance comparison

Fruit yoghurts in disposable packaging with a volume of 80 to 250 grams are particularly
practical for single, quick consumption. For this reason, they usually come with a non-resealable lid.

Most packages have the typical “yogurt shape” and look very similar. When a package breaks the mold in this regard, it naturally stands out all the more. Our top performer, the squeeze bag from Ehrmann, is the best example of this.

In terms of design, the cups differ mainly in terms of format. There are rather tall packages with a smaller diameter, and also very flat versions, which, depending on the volume, are considerably wider.

For some yoghurts, the secondary packaging covers a large part of the striking surface of the cup, sometimes up to 75 percent – as can be seen, for example, with Müller Yoghurt with the corner.

Assessment dimension Sustainability – and the winner is…

Lobetaler Bio-Joghurt in a PP pot with a PP lid, scoring 247.5 points!

Lobetaler’s organic yoghurt primarily earned its victory in the sustainability assessment dimension due to the fact that it consists entirely of a single material. Both the pot and the lid film are made of PP. This considerably improves the recyclability of the packaging. In addition, Lobetaler prints directly on the cup, thus avoiding the need for an additional sleeve, which reduces material consumption. Furthermore, clear sustainability information is provided on the packaging.

Further findings from the sustainability comparison

Yoghurt packaging is usually made of plastics such as PP, PS or PET and is
usually offered in standard formats. Some consist of a plastic cup, an aluminum lid and a cardboard sleeve. These products require separate disposal of the individual components. Almost all manufacturers clearly indicate this on their packaging. Nevertheless, directly printed plastic cups with plastic lids, which include our “green” champion from Lobetaler, are more consumer-friendly.

Although Ziefer’s uses three different materials for its yoghurt packaging, we would like to make a special mention of the third-place finisher in the Sustainability assessment dimension at this point: the Austrian manufacturer earns some points here by using rPET. On the packaging, it recommends that the cup be cleaned and disposed of separately from the lid and sleeve.

Design category – and the winner is…

Ziefer’s organic yoghurt in rPET thermoform with cardboard sleeve, with 287.5 points!

In terms of design, the Ziefer’s organic yoghurt mentioned above is a step ahead of the competition. This is thanks to its well-thought-out and stylish design. Each variety has its own individual tray and sleeve, with the two elements in matching colors. The cardboard sleeve impresses with its choice of material and striking design language, inspired by a mountain landscape.

Compared to the competition, the design appears modern and special at the same time. The harmonious use of pastel shades is aesthetically pleasing. It also creates a high recognition value and ensures a clear visual positioning of the product at the point of sale. Furthermore, the unique selling points – organic quality, regional origin and recyclability – are communicated precisely and effectively.

Further insights from the design comparison

We have found that the packaging shapes and designs in the yoghurt market are predominantly uniform. The differences are generally limited to the colors and the design elements used for the sleeve or direct printing. Alternative finishing techniques are still rare in this product segment. On a negative note, more than three colors are often used, and they are quite intense, creating a certain visual unrest at the point of sale.

Overall winner in the PAX comparison of yoghurt packaging

In a close head-to-head race, the specially shaped Landliebe yoghurt pot just managed to beat the Almighurt squeeze stand-up pouch from Ehrmann and Ziefer’s rPET thermoformed pot, with a total of 785 points, ahead of the packaging index of 770 points for each. Although Landliebe is not ranked number 1 in any of the assessment dimensions, it performs well or very well in all of them. By contrast, the practical Ehrmann pouch wins the performance category and Ziefer’s visually appealing cup wins the design contest, but overall they fall a few points short of the top position.

A look at the points shows that all the products tested are relatively close together. The difference between first and last, at just 165 points, is significantly lower than in our previous PAX comparisons. The rear-runners, namely the pot from Hemme Milch and the glass from Sterzing Vipiteno, each scored 620 points, with their main weaknesses being in the area of design. They are also among the four worst performers in the sustainability category. The unspectacular midfield is packed with yoghurt packaging from Der Grosse Bauer, Müller, Mevgal, Zott and Weihenstephan.

Lobetaler’s monomaterial cup is our clear sustainability winner, but it leaves something to be desired in the other two evaluation categories. With a better performance and, above all, a more creative design, a place on the podium would have been possible. As it is, it “only” makes fourth place.

Conclusion of our managing director Christoph Waldau

“The Landliebe yoghurt is above average in all the categories evaluated and is therefore a worthy test winner. It impresses with its simple yet proven design, its unusual and unique shape and its recyclable materials.

Ziefer’s organic yoghurt, which came in third, also deserves special mention: it stands out thanks to its modern and emotionally appealing design, impressive brand presence, sales-promoting presentation and clear differentiation of the varieties. I would also like to highlight the innovative use of an rPET cup. However, Ziefer’s yoghurt is currently only available in Austria.

The disappointments in our comparison are the yoghurts from Hemme Milch and Sterzing Vipiteno. Both types of packaging show clear deficiencies in terms of handling, product protection and design.

In contrast, the Almighurt squeezable stand-up pouch from Ehrmann performs significantly better. It delivers the best performance and also scores sufficiently well in the other two evaluation dimensions to take second place.

In general, we have noticed that the majority of yoghurt packages currently on the market already have seals and disposal instructions. However, many products still have design deficits – in particular, there is considerable room for improvement in the presentation at the point of sale and the design of the secondary packaging. It is positive to see that more and more manufacturers in the yoghurt segment are switching to monomaterials.”