Design blogs are buzzing today with a story about a collapsable milk container called Fresh. The product, which has been entered in the James Dyson Award for international design, is supposed to keep milk fresher for about a week longer than conventional containers, because the bottle collapses as the milk is used.
Rarely do people question the design of the milk jug, or wonder if there is a way to stop milk from spoiling. My design began when I realized an unopened gallon of milk will last past the expiration date, while an opened gallon can go bad over a week before the date. I believe this happens because as soon as you open a gallon of milk, the jug will trap air inside it along with the milk causing it to spoil. If I can design a milk pitcher that eliminates the milk's contact with air, I believe the milk will stay fresh for quite a few days longer. This could be a large benefit to the singles market of all ages saving them time and money. While large families don't have a problem finishing a gallon of milk before it goes sour, it is nearly impossible for someone living on their own not to throw some of their milk away. Therefore a milk pitcher of some sort must be designed that either vacuum seals or shrinks to keep the air from spoiling the milk.