Packaging & Returns
What to do with your packaging and how to return it to us
Getting chilled Kerry Kefir safely to your door in glass bottles requires specialist packaging. Packaging is also a significant cost for a small food producer like us, so we try to reuse suitable materials wherever we can.
We’ve recently changed some of the materials used to pack your Kerry Kefir orders. Here’s what you need to know about the new packaging, what can be recycled and how to return packaging to us for reuse.
What’s in my Kerry Kefir delivery?
Your order is packed using:
Glass bottles
Your Kerry Kefir is delivered in glass bottles. We’d ideally like these returned to us so they can be reused, but if you’re not returning them, they can be recycled through your local glass recycling facilities.
TempGuard™ paper-based thermal liners
Each bottle is individually protected using TempGuard™ paper-based insulation to help protect it during delivery.
Gel ice packs
Gel ice packs are included with your order to help keep your Kerry Kefir chilled while it is in transit. We’d ideally like these returned to us so they can be reused. If you’re not returning them, they can be placed in your general waste bin.
Cardboard delivery box
Your bottles, liners and ice packs are packed together in a cardboard outer box for delivery.
What do I do with the packaging?
IIf you’re not returning your packaging to us, you can dispose of each part as follows:
| Packaging | What to do with it |
|---|---|
| Cardboard box | Place in your household recycling |
| TempGuard™ paper liner | Place in your household recycling |
| Glass bottles | Ideally return to us for reuse, or recycle through your local glass recycling facilities |
| Gel ice packs | Ideally return to us for reuse. If you’re not returning them, place them in your general waste bin |
Returning packaging to Kerry Kefir
We’re very happy to reuse packaging that comes back to us clean and in good condition.
Where possible, we’d especially appreciate the return of your glass bottles and gel ice packs, as these can be used again.
However, both collecting returned packaging and replacing damaged materials are significant costs for a small business, so we ask customers to wait until they have packaging from at least two Kerry Kefir orders before arranging a return.
What can I return?
Please keep and return:
- Clean, rinsed Kerry Kefir glass bottles
- Gel ice packs
- Clean, dry and undamaged TempGuard™ liners
- Your cardboard delivery boxes
Before you return your packaging
1. Rinse your bottles
Once you’ve finished your Kerry Kefir, rinse the bottles thoroughly and allow them to dry. Here’s a quick video on how to get your Kerry Kefir bottles clean if you do not have a bottle brush.
2. Check the TempGuard™ liners
Please only return liners that are clean, dry and undamaged.
If a bottle has leaked, or a liner has become wet, stained, torn or otherwise damaged, please place it in your household recycling instead. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to reuse damaged liners.
3. Wait until you have at least two orders
Please hold onto your packaging until you have packaging from at least two orders ready to return.
This allows us to combine the boxes into one DPD parcel rather than arranging a separate collection for every order.
4. Pack everything securely
Place your clean bottles, gel ice packs and undamaged TempGuard™ liners back into the boxes.
Tape the boxes securely together so they form one parcel for DPD collection.
5. Drop to your local DPD Pickup Point
You can return your Kerry Kefir packaging via your local DPD Pickup Point, which is usually in a local shop like a Daybreak or a Gala. Here’s how to easily manage your returns:
- Visit the DPD Returns Page: Visit DPD’s official website and navigate to the Returns section and select “continue as guest”
- Select Kerry Kefir: Use the dropdown menu to select Kerry Kefir as the Retailer. If you have your Order Number to hand, type that in to the Reference Number section. Otherwise type in “1”. State the “Reason for Returning” as “Equipment Returns”
- Parcel Size: Choose “Small” for individual parcel returns.
- Contact Details: Enter your contact information
- Generate and Print Label: Follow the prompts to generate a return label and print it out. Attach this label to your parcel.
- Consolidate Your Returns: Where possible, hold on to two or three boxes, tape them together, and send them back as one parcel. This reduces costs, helps us keep the scheme sustainable, and reduces the number of trips to the pickup point.
- You can find your nearest Pickup Point via the DPD website.
More detailed instructions can be found here.
What should I not return?
Please don’t send back:
- Wet or stained TempGuard™ liners
- Torn or damaged paper liners
- Packaging affected by a leaking bottle
- Packaging that is no longer clean or suitable to be used for another customer’s delivery
These materials should be recycled or disposed of according to the instructions above. Please follow your local waste provider’s guidance if you’re unsure how to dispose of any item.
Why do we ask you to combine returns?
Returning and replacing packaging represents a considerable cost for a small producer.
Waiting until you have packaging from at least two orders means we can make better use of each DPD return parcel while continuing to reuse bottles, gel ice packs and suitable packaging wherever possible.