From shelf challenges to consistent performance: How Pomurske Mlekarne improved product presentation with DS Smith Light Wrap
As one of Slovenia’s leading dairy producers, Pomurske Mlekarne understands the importance of packaging that performs consistently from production to shelf. When wraps began losing shape over time, affecting the appearance of products at retail, the company set out to find a solution that could improve pack stability without adding operational complexity. By implementing DS Smith Light Wrap, Pomurske Mlekarne improved shelf presentation, enhanced pack stability and increased material efficiency — all through a solution that integrated seamlessly into existing packaging lines without requiring machine modifications.
Product appearance plays an important role in shaping consumer perception. For Pomurske Mlekarne, maintaining a consistent shelf presentation became a growing priority as some multipacks began losing shape over time. As wraps deformed, the overall appearance of products became less consistent, highlighting the need for a solution that could improve pack stability while fitting seamlessly into existing production processes. The new solution had to deliver visible improvements quickly, while also ensuring business continuity. “We knew we needed to take action, but it was important for us to find a solution that could deliver tangible improvements without creating additional complexity in production,” says Anja Sever Bertalanič, Head of Development & Quality Control at Pomurske Mlekarne.
DS Smith Light Wrap delivers improved packaging performance without requiring changes to existing production lines.
Improved performance without operational disruption
To address these challenges, Pomurske Mlekarne implemented DS Smith Light Wrap. The solution was tailored to the specific product through the optimisation of key design parameters, improving packaging performance while maintaining operational simplicity. Integration into existing packaging lines was straightforward. No machine modifications were required, and production settings remained unchanged, significantly reducing implementation complexity. “The biggest advantage for us was that we were able to improve our packaging performance immediately with a solution that integrated seamlessly into our existing processes,” recalls Bertalanič.
Pomurske Mlekarne improved shelf presentation with DS Smith Light Wrap, achieving greater pack stability and consistency.
Even during a simultaneous packing line upgrade, the implementation was completed quickly and smoothly, without disrupting ongoing operations. “At the time, maintaining stable day-to-day operations was a key priority for us. The fact that we could introduce Light Wrap without affecting production made the process much easier for our team,” she adds. The ease of implementation ultimately proved to be one of the project's key success factors, demonstrating how improved packaging performance can be achieved without adding complexity to production.
Delivering consistent results from production to shelf
Today, DS Smith Light Wrap has replaced most of Pomurske Mlekarne's previous wrap solutions and supports products distributed across multiple markets, including exports to Asia. However, the greatest impact can be seen on the shelf. Instead of deforming unpredictably, packs maintain their shape more effectively through controlled deformation. This results in improved shape stability and a cleaner, more consistent appearance. But the benefits extend beyond product presentation. As no changes to the existing production setup were required, operational efficiency was maintained while enabling scalability across different markets. At the same time, smarter packaging design has helped to reduce material usage while optimising overall packaging performance.
After a year and a half of regular production, the results have confirmed that we made the right decision. The solution has become a major part of our packaging operations.
Anja Sever Bertalanič
Head of Development & Quality Control at Pomurske Mlekarne
Scaling success across the portfolio
The success of the project extended far beyond a single packaging format. Following the positive results, Pomurske Mlekarne expanded the use of DS Smith Light Wrap across almost its entire wrap-around packaging portfolio. This wider adoption highlights how a targeted packaging optimisation can deliver value at scale, combining improved shelf presentation with operational efficiency across multiple product categories.
Key benefits at a Glance
Shelf Performance
• Improved shape stability of packs
• Controlled deformation instead of unpredictable damage
• More consistent product presentation
• Cleaner and more attractive shelf appearance
Easy Implementation
• No machine modifications required
• No changes to production settings
• Seamless integration into existing packaging lines
• Quick and straightforward implementation
Operational Efficiency
• No disruption to ongoing operations
• Easy adoption alongside line upgrades
• Maintained existing production setup
• Scalable across multiple markets, including exports to Asia
Material Efficiency
• Reduced material usage through smarter design
• Optimised packaging performance
• Improved resource efficiency
• Supports sustainability objectives
After a year and a half of regular production, the results have confirmed that we made the right decision. The solution has become a major part of our packaging operations.
