The Hidden Purpose of That Circular Dent on Milk Jugs – It’s Not What You Think
During filling, milk should just touch the bottom of the dent.
If the jug is overfilled, the liquid rises past the circle, alerting workers to adjust the machine.
This ensures consistent fill levels and prevents messy spills in transit.
3. Stacking & Shipping Efficiency
Milk jugs are designed for maximum storage efficiency, and that dent plays a key role!
. Nestable Design – The indentation allows jugs to fit snugly against each other when stacked in crates or store coolers.
. Prevents Shifting – The slight gap created by the dent reduces friction, making it easier to load and unload pallets without tipping.
Bonus: Why Some Jugs Have TWO Dents
. If you’ve noticed two circles instead of one, here’s why:
Double Reinforcement – Extra stability for larger jugs (like gallon sizes).
Machine Grip Points – Helps automated filling equipment hold the jug securely.
Did You Know? Milk Jugs Used to Be Glass!
Before plastic took over in the 1960s, milk was delivered in heavy glass bottles. The switch to plastic:
. Made containers lighter & cheaper
. Reduced breakage risks
. Allowed for innovations like the stability dent
Final Thought: Small Design, Big Impact
Next time you grab a milk jug, take a second to appreciate that tiny but mighty dent—it’s a masterpiece of practical engineering hiding in your fridge!
see continuation on next page
During filling, milk should just touch the bottom of the dent.
If the jug is overfilled, the liquid rises past the circle, alerting workers to adjust the machine.
This ensures consistent fill levels and prevents messy spills in transit.
3. Stacking & Shipping Efficiency
Milk jugs are designed for maximum storage efficiency, and that dent plays a key role!
. Nestable Design – The indentation allows jugs to fit snugly against each other when stacked in crates or store coolers.
. Prevents Shifting – The slight gap created by the dent reduces friction, making it easier to load and unload pallets without tipping.
Bonus: Why Some Jugs Have TWO Dents
. If you’ve noticed two circles instead of one, here’s why:
Double Reinforcement – Extra stability for larger jugs (like gallon sizes).
Machine Grip Points – Helps automated filling equipment hold the jug securely.
Did You Know? Milk Jugs Used to Be Glass!
Before plastic took over in the 1960s, milk was delivered in heavy glass bottles. The switch to plastic:
. Made containers lighter & cheaper
. Reduced breakage risks
. Allowed for innovations like the stability dent
Final Thought: Small Design, Big Impact
Next time you grab a milk jug, take a second to appreciate that tiny but mighty dent—it’s a masterpiece of practical engineering hiding in your fridge!
see continuation on next page
