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January 08, 2025

A (Real)ationship built on community

Shell Polymers and United Dairy: A local partnership delivering sustainable packaging solutions and boosting the regional economy.

A (Real)ationship Built on Community (PDF, 4MB)
A man smiles, wearing a hairnet, surrounded by newly formed milk bottles

Authentic connections, real impact

Dairy farming relies on strong partnerships, and no one understands that better than United Dairy, a family-owned staple of Pennsylvania's dairy industry since 1954. That’s why they chose Shell Polymers as their plastics supplier for their product packaging. But this partnership

A man and woman stand in a field with cows behind them

goes beyond just business. It’s about fostering authentic, lasting (Real)ationships and supporting the entire supply chain — from farm to fridge, cow to cup — all whilst making a positive impact on the local economy.

Rooted in shared values

United Dairy (and the wider QCS Purchasing Cooperative) have long been dedicated to delivering fresh, locally sourced milk to American households. However, as the demand for sustainable practices and locally produced goods has increased, United Dairy needed a partner who could support their mission, while delivering high-quality, innovative materials for their milk packaging.

This is where we came in. With our advanced polymer technologies and convenient Northeastern location in Monaca, we have been working closely with United Dairy to deliver durable plastic pellets to

manufacture their milk jugs. The production of our high-quality resin pellets within 60 miles of where the packaging is made means quick, frictionless and reliable delivery via direct trucking, which not only helps to reduce transportation emissions, but also avoids contamination at the terminal, thereby ensuring product quality. Additionally, United Dairy’s milk jugs use HDPE plastic, the most widely recycled plastic, further contributing to a circular economy and helping to make a positive environmental impact.

Two men walk towards each other in greeting with the polymer pellet delivery truck behind them

Investing in our community

Together, Shell Polymers and United Dairy are also helping to strengthen the local economy by keeping the entire supply chain within the region - creating jobs, paying local taxes, and supporting regional

Close up shot of four milk bottles in the fridge at the grocery store

businesses — from the local dairy farmers to the grocery stores that sell the milk.

This means fresher, longer-lasting milk on shelves, delivered faster than many nationwide competitors. So consumers can feel good knowing they’re supporting brands that champions local industry, all while enjoying a quality product.

A shared vision for a better future

By working hand-in-hand, we’re helping local communities grow, prosper, and sustain for future generations. We’re proud to be a part of this journey with United Dairy, and we’re excited to see what we can achieve together.

To have such an important part of our product developed here in our local region gives us a very secure feeling for the future.

To have such an important part of our product developed here in our local region gives us a very secure feeling for the future.

Joe Carson

President & CEO of United Dairy



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