Milk Case Loss Working Group Meeting Minutes – November 16th, 2017

Next Committee Call: TBA
A link to the slides presented during the meeting can be found here

1. Welcome

Emily Lyons, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Counsel, welcomed everyone to the call. Lyons also thanked everyone who participated in filling out the milk case loss survey.

2. Agenda

Emily Lyons began the call by discussing the agenda which included the following topics:

• Survey Results
• Best Practice Sharing
• Next Steps
  

3. Survey Results

Emily Lyons stated that 18 different companies completed the survey which included 17 processors and 1 retailer, but that she would like to increase the number of companies that participated in the survey. Lyons also stated that the companies that participated came from a myriad of regions nationwide, which assisted with accurate information.

A majority of the companies surveyed found that their milk loss prevention programs are only somewhat effective and that around 50% have had consistent milk case loss over the past year. Losses appear to occur the most in supermarkets, and also as a result of other companies illegally using their milk cases. The survey results show that urban areas, such as Chicago or New York City, have the greatest amount of loss.

a. Reasons for Loss

• Neglect or misuse by customers
• Illegal use by other companies
• Inadequate inventory controls at customer premises
• Illegal use of individuals
• Organized crime

b. Factors Contributing to Loss

• Lack of training – Drivers, people within company, general public
• Case neglect
• Cases being returned to any dairy company and not the actual owner
• Increased prices for recycled plastic

c. Effective Methods to Combat Loss

• Requiring deposits for cases
• Implementation of tracking programs
• Better technology (RFID chips)
• Better plastic theft laws and law enforcement participation
  

4. Best Practice Sharing

Emily Lyons asked those present in the call for ideas to include in the IDFA best practice guide. One member stated that working with law enforcement is effective, but is cost prohibitive. Another member stated that they believe large spikes in milk case losses have been attributed to cases going to other companies. Lyons asked if there had been a successful milk case swap program where companies are able to return and receive missing cases. A member said that they have occurred before, but it is difficult and time consuming to get companies to convene.

One member stated that cases being deliberately stolen is potentially the biggest issue. Lyons asked what could be done better to combat stealing. A member said that if customers had a stake in the milk cases, they would be more inclined to take better care of them. A majority of members agreed that deposits would be greatly beneficial, but it would need to be an industry wide effort.

Lyons asked if members would like to have calls more often with presenters to discuss new technology. Members agreed that this would be beneficial.

5. Next Steps

Emily Lyons stated that she would continue to follow up with dairy companies that had not completed the survey to ensure that the survey information is accurate and up to date. Lyons also stated that she would also begin work on the IDFA Best Practice Guide and would also work on outreach with other trade associations. One member suggested working with regional dairy associations and Lyons agreed with the idea.

6. Adjourn

Emily Lyons thanked everyone for attending and reminded everyone that the presentation slides and IDFA Best Practice Guide would be sent out to the members of the task force. One member asked what the next step would be for a deposit system. Lyons stated that IDFA would look for models, but would not be able to advocate that everyone should participate in a deposit program.

With no other business to attend to, the meeting was adjourned.