End of pinta as we know it

The sound of chinking bottles that heralded the early morning arrival of the milkman as he delivered the pinta from door to door is something that has been a long-standing tradition down the years, particularly in rural areas.

But as shopping patterns altered and the need for a more balanced approach to production costs, the days of the glass milk bottle are numbered.

At least that’s what’s happening at Ballyrashane Creamery, a company diligent in renewable energy and waste management.

Customers of the company have just been informed of the decision to move to plastic as a replacement for the old production method.

A letter to customers states: “Over the past number of years the volume of milk being sold in glass bottles has dropped considerably with the move over to plastic.

“Unfortunately, this linked to increasing costs and reduced volumes have meant it is no longer economically viable for the dairy to provide this product in glass bottles.”

“Although this may be a disappointment I hope in time you will find the new packaging as acceptable in the future.”

The company say the support for the home delivery service is greatly valued and hope to continue to be of service in the future.

One customer said the change wouldn’t make much difference.

“As long as I get my milk delivered to my doorstep I’m happy to accept any container,” he said.

Recently, the country’s longest-established creamery invested over £3 million in a ground-breaking anaerobic digestion project which it said would not only significantly reduce its own energy costs and carbon footprint, but would also support local farmers in the area.