Avonmore’s School Milk Scheme has switched to paper straws, saving 2.7 tonnes of plastic per annum or the equivalent weight of two average-sized cars!

Avonmore School Milk has been providing milk to primary schools around Ireland through the EU School Milk Scheme since 1982. The Scheme promotes and encourages the consumption of milk amongst school children, cultivating healthy eating habits and giving pupils the opportunity to connect with agriculture. Its recent switch to paper straws on its milk supplies for over 240 schools nationwide will save 2.7 tonnes of plastic per annum or the equivalent weight of two average-sized cars!

Glanbia Ireland Marketing Manager, Cara Millaney, said it’s a step in the right direction for the School Milk Scheme. “We provide 7 million units of 180ml cartons of low-fat milk to primary schools nationwide every year. It is estimated that by switching from plastic to paper straws, Glanbia Ireland will prevent 2.7 tonnes of plastic from entering the environment each year. The new paper straws are certified fully recyclable and made with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper, indicating that the paper is from a well-managed, responsible source.”

Speaking at a recent photocall in Wexford to launch the paper straws initiative, Glanbia Ireland Chairman John Murphy said: “We are delighted to bring top quality, nutritious milk from family farms to schools all over Ireland. Sustainable dairy is at the heart of our processes. The move to more environmentally friendly straws is another step on our sustainability journey and Glanbia Ireland’s commitment to delivering on our Living Proof promises on plastics, packaging and carbon reduction.”

The School Milk Scheme is managed by the National Dairy Council and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with the support of the European Union.

Pictured in St Joseph’s Kilmuckridge National School in Wexford, a participating school, were front Rachel Doran and Makayla Mitten and back, Saoirse Kinsella and Glanbia Ireland Chairman, John Murphy, holding Glanbia Ireland’s Living Proof sustainability logo.