A MILK bottle manufacturer has proved it is the creme de la creme of design after scooping an international award for its revolutionary plastic packaging.

Nampak Plastics, in Consett, County Durham, won the best dairy packaging innovation category at the Dairy Innovation Awards 2012 for its Infini milk bottle.

Produced after a two-year development programme costing £1m, the bottle is octagonal, a structure which supports thinner plastic walls.

As a result, less plastic is needed to make the bottles, which are up to one-fifth lighter than a standard plastic milk carton of the same size.

Judges were impressed with the bottle because they felt it was lightweight, more environmentally-friendly and easier to use than standard cartons.

The bottle, which contains 15 per cent recycled material, has a handle positioned at a corner, which faces outwards when stored in a fridge door and is designed to make easier for consumers to remove, grip and pour.

Judges looked at more than 70 entries from 25 countries in 18 different categories.

Carl Jones, plant manager, said: "The judging panel was looking for products that really stood out from the competition and everyone here at the plant is delighted to have received this international recognition for our innovative Infini product."