Product Offerings
Products:
Reusable Milk Kegs: 18-litre LDPE kegs
Milk Dispensing Systems: Café Kit, Deli Kit, Link Kit
Media Gallery
The Udder Way – A Sustainable Milk Delivery System
Founded in Tasmania, Australia, The Udder Way is a pioneering sustainability-focused company transforming the traditional dairy supply chain. Led by founder Edward Crick, the company offers innovative solutions to eliminate single-use plastics in the milk distribution industry through its reusable milk keg and dispensing system technology. Its mission is rooted in environmental stewardship, circular economy principles, and operational efficiency for food service businesses.
Core Business
The Udder Way manufactures and supplies reusable milk kegs and dispensing systems for commercial and institutional use. By replacing plastic milk bottles and cartons with reusable 18-litre low-density polyethylene (LDPE) kegs, The Udder Way enables a closed-loop system that significantly reduces packaging waste, labor, and costs for cafes, supermarkets, and dairy producers.
The company’s solutions are designed to streamline the dairy supply chain while supporting Australia’s net-zero emissions goals.
Product and Service Offerings
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Reusable Milk Kegs (18L LDPE):
- FDA and food-grade certified
- Reusable over 100 times
- Fully recyclable at end-of-life
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Milk Dispensing Systems:
- Café Kit: Compact system for baristas to access fresh milk directly from the keg
- Deli Kit: Designed for supermarkets and large food outlets
- Link Kit: Modular solution for high-volume operators and larger-scale foodservice facilities
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Accessories: Dispensing taps, hose connectors, keg cleaning systems
All systems are optimized for ease of installation, hygiene, and durability in high-turnover food environments.
Specialization and USP
The Udder Way’s core specialization lies in eliminating single-use plastic milk bottles. Its patented keg technology and dispensing systems offer the following unique advantages:
- Reduces packaging waste by up to 80% per site
- Cuts refrigeration space requirements
- Reduces spillage and labor associated with milk bottle handling
- Improves milk freshness and consistency in cafes and foodservice
- Fully traceable and hygienic closed-loop model
Each 18L keg prevents the use of 36 standard 500ml plastic bottles per fill, translating into significant annual savings and environmental impact reduction.
Financials
While The Udder Way is privately held and does not publicly disclose revenue figures, industry sources and interviews suggest the company has seen rapid growth since launch. Notable milestones include:
- Deployment of over 3,000 milk kegs across Australia as of 2023
- Partnerships with over 500 cafés and hospitality venues, including brands such as St. ALi, Seven Seeds, and Ona Coffee
- Increasing adoption in Woolworths Metro locations and independent grocers
The company has secured investment and support from sustainability innovation incubators and local government grants aimed at reducing plastic waste in supply chains.
Shipments and Export Data
According to data sourced from logistics and trade platforms, The Udder Way primarily operates domestically within Australia but has initiated pilots in New Zealand and Southeast Asia, expanding its export footprint.
Their estimated shipment volume includes:
- Over 10,000 kegs manufactured and circulated
- Monthly refills exceeding 200,000 litres of milk in reusable formats
The company is actively seeking international distribution partners for expansion into Europe and North America.
Target Market
- Cafés and Specialty Coffee Outlets
- Supermarkets and Deli Counters
- Dairy Processors and Distributors
- Hospitality and Institutional Foodservice
- Sustainability-focused Enterprises and ESG Innovators
The product fits particularly well in operations aiming to improve sustainability reporting, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.
Capabilities
- In-house R&D and Manufacturing: All kegs and systems are produced in Australia to ISO and HACCP standards
- Bespoke System Design: Customizable kits to suit various business sizes and layout configurations
- Integrated Tracking: Use of QR codes and data tracking for keg lifecycle management
- Training and Support: Onboarding support and system training for business integration
Certifications and Compliance
- Food-Grade LDPE Certification
- FDA and EU Materials Compliance
- Australian HACCP Food Safety Standards
- All equipment meets ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems
The company maintains strict protocols for keg sanitization and reuse cycles, ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance.
Customer Testimonials
The Udder Way has received praise from leading café chains and independent operators:
- “We’ve cut down weekly waste from 400 plastic bottles to zero.”
- “Our staff loves the convenience and customers love our commitment to sustainability.”
- “The milk tastes fresher, and our prep time has dropped.”
Feedback emphasizes ease of use, reduction in labor, and strong alignment with customer sustainability expectations.
Major Achievements
- Winner of the 2023 Australian Circular Economy Award
- Featured in ABC News, The Guardian Australia, and The Sydney Morning Herald
- Official sustainability partner for multiple Australian coffee roasters
- Product Guide launched in 2024, providing detailed specifications and integration support for partners
- Recognized by Sustainable Business Network Australia for industry innovation
The Udder Way represents a next-generation solution to one of the food industry's most persistent sustainability challenges. With scalable technology and proven environmental impact, it continues to lead the dairy sector toward a zero-waste future.