Luke Bone
New Australian Made Returnable Milk Glass Bottle
New Australian Made Returnable Milk Glass Bottle

New Australian Made Returnable Milk Glass Bottle

New Look. Same Schulz.

After years of dreaming, testing, setbacks and persistence, we're incredibly proud to introduce the next chapter of Milk in Glass…

Our new Australian-made glass bottle!

From 1 July 2026, you'll start seeing our new bottle on shelves across Victoria. It's a milestone that means so much to us because this journey didn't begin with a new bottle. It began with a simple question:

Could milk be sold without creating more plastic waste?

Back in 2017, we filled our very first glass bottles by hand and took them to a local farmers market. We sold out.

What followed was something we never could have imagined. In 2018, 1,182 people from all around Australia backed our crowdfunding campaign, helping us raise more than $106,000 to bring Milk in Glass to life in retail stores.

Since then, together we've achieved something pretty special.

Over 1.64 million equivalent plastic bottles have been saved from landfill. That's more than 65 tonnes of plastic.

Every bottle you've washed and returned has played a part in that story.

Why an Australian-Made Bottle?

Since the very beginning, we hoped one day we could bring production of our bottle back onshore. It wasn't easy.

There were plenty of setbacks, dead ends and moments where it felt a long way off. But we never stopped believing it could happen.

Today, thanks to our partnership with Orora Manufacturing in South Australia, that vision has finally become a reality.

Our new bottle has been inspired by the original bespoke design created by Contain Design, refreshed with beautiful branding from Swear Words and premium printing by Cutler Graphics.

New look. Same Schulz.

Inside you'll still find the same organic milk from our single herd of cows, gently pasteurised low and slow, non-homogenised and bottled right here on our farm in Timboon.

Because while the bottle may have changed, our philosophy hasn't.

A Small Deposit Update

When we launched Milk in Glass seven years ago, we set the bottle deposit at $2.

As we've transitioned to this new Australian-made bottle, we've made the decision to increase the deposit to $3 per bottle from 1 July 2026.

The deposit remains fully refundable when you return your clean, naked bottles.

This small change helps support the future of our returnable bottle system and ensures we can continue investing in keeping Milk in Glass on shelves for years to come.

Thank You. To our retailers. To our original crowdfunding supporters. To the people who've been filling, washing and returning bottles since day one. And to everyone who's only recently discovered Milk in Glass.

This achievement belongs to all of you just as much as it belongs to us.

Eight years ago, we had a dream to put organic milk in returnable glass bottles and create something a little different. Today, we're incredibly proud to be taking the next step in that journey.

And the best part? We feel like we're only just getting started.

beef by Schulz organic

After years of careful planning and hard work, we’re excited to introduce our latest product: Beef by Schulz Organic.

This is a project that’s been close to our hearts for a long time. We have spent a lot of time navigating the challenges involved in this type of project and are now very pleased to share with you. We acknowledge that meat consumption isn’t for everyone. If you’re happy sticking with our delicious, award winning Schulz Organic Dairy range, we sincerely thank you for your continued support, and we hope you have a fantastic day! But, if you’re someone who enjoys eating meat, I’d love for you to keep reading and learn more about this exciting new product and how you can get your hands on it.

Most of you will know that a dairy farm will produce more calves than it needs to join into the milking herd later in life. The current outlet for surplus calves is typically into the veal industry or the local market where they are bought by other farmers. Whilst these options are still valuable, we have heard the demand from our customer, to raise our current practise with customer expectations. Looking for a different option and raising these animals as a beef option.

We are thrilled to be partnering with the legends at MeatCrew in Colac to supply a limited number of meat boxes. These boxes will be available for delivery at the beginning of March. If you’re interested in ordering a box and want to hear more details, read on below.

Thank you for your support as we continue to evolve and enhance Schulz Organic Dairy. We are big fans of innovation, continuous improvement and of listening to you, our customers.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

You will get a selection of the following up to either 5kg or 10kg depending on the size you select. The cut selection will be one of each category (e.g gravy beef or diced beef – not both, this selection will be random). Each portion will be in one individual bag.

5kg Box -

Beef mince - 1.5kg
Beef sausages - 500g
Gravy beef or diced beef - 1kg
Silverside or blade or brisket - 1kg
Rump steak or top-side steak - 500g
Porterhouse, scotch or eye fillet - 500g

10kg Box -

Beef mince - 3kg
Beef sausages - 1kg
Gravy beef or diced beef - 2kg
Silverside or blade or brisket - 2kg
Rump steak or top-side steak - 1kg
Porterhouse, scotch or eye fillet - 1kg

ORDERS CLOSE midnight SUNDAY 23 FEBRUARY 2025.

ORDER here

I HAVE QUESTIONS?

ABOUT THE BEEF

  • A Dairy Mum and Beef Dad.

    The mother is a dairy cow from our own herd. Her genetics will be either Friesian, Jersey or a cross. The Sire is a Beef Bull (Angus specifically for these beef). We raised these animals in the same way we raise all our animals to a suitable weight and age, grass fed and with regenerative organic practices.

  • Yes, but not certified. We have raised them on organically managed pastures, some have been certified organic (ours) and some have not been certified (our neighbours who have shared their land for these animals).

  • Our backgrounders are about 17 months old, weighing in between 300-450kg as live weight. This is the age most ‘premium’ beef in the market is sold at.

  • The animals will be handled by Herds in Geelong.

ABOUT ORDERING

  • For 2025 we are aiming to offer these boxes quarterly. 

  • We are opening up pre-orders now, please email us at dairybeef@schulzorganicdairy.com.au with your order, postcode for delivery and a contact number. 

    We will only have a limited number available for this initial launch, so first in first served!

  • Once your order is received with your delivery postcode we will confirm whether we are able to fulfil your order through email or by phone.

  • We will be using an accredited PrimeSafe distributor to deliver to selected areas across Melbourne and selected regional areas in Victoria. Alternatively, we may be able to provide a pickup option for you from Melbourne or Timboon (South West Victoria).

  • We accept bank transfer or payment via credit card upon you receiving an invoice.

ORDER HERE

Schulz Shorts: Olivia Sutton

How long have you worked at Schulz and what do you do here? 

I joined the team at Schulz Organic Dairy in February this year as the Customer Relationship Manager.

You were one of the original pledgers on Schulz’s Milk in Glass Pozible campaign – what drew you to the campaign?

I love supporting small business, independent farmhouse dairies. These businesses are crucial for maintaining diversity and sustainability in our food system. The milk also tastes significantly better when it comes in glass bottles. There’s something about the purity and freshness that glass preserves, which you just don’t get with plastic. I loved that this campaign helped reduce plastic use. It also brings back childhood memories of my nana bottling milk on weekends on their farm. 

Before joining us at Schulz, you founded Harper & Blohm, the much-loved specialty cheese shop in Brunswick. How did you get into the cheese business?

This is a hard one to pinpoint. My family farm is on King Island, and I spent most of my school holidays there eating lots of cheese. My first job in the cheese industry was with Calendar Cheese Company when it was a young small business, and this is where I first met Simon Schulz! 

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career so far? 

I stand by a company value that I was introduced to early in my cheese career: service, quality, expertise and human touch.  

You currently live in Melbourne, working with our metro customers and making the trip to the country every couple of weeks – what’s the best thing about visiting Timboon?

It’s a little bit of a trip down memory lane as I grew up in Western Victoria. I also leave the city early, so seeing the sunrise in the rear vision mirror is a great start to the day. And seeing my colleagues in person rather than on Zoom! Oh, and lunch and a baked goodie made by Hila at the Cafe on the farm. 

You’re also a bit of a wine and cheese pairing expert! What would you pair with our famous bütten?

A lighter-style red wine from Babche Wines in Timboon. I love the saying “what grows together goes together”.

What keeps you busy outside of work? 

Thinking about what to eat, thinking about where to go shopping for what I'm going to eat and cooking what I'm going to eat.  

What would your last meal be?

Natural oysters, grass-fed scotch fillet steak (medium rare), chips and salad with horseradish + a cheese plate to finish!  

Finally, what is your favourite Schulz product and why (and it doesn’t have to be cheese!)? 

The Schulz Organic Dairy Yogurt. I love the texture and tang, however the best bit is the layer of cream on top!

We're Hiring: Schulz Organic Farm Hand

Farm Hand Position - Timboon, Victoria

The Schulz family has been farming organically and biodynamically for over 50 years. We manufacture our delicious milk right here on the farm and distribute far and wide to our loyal customers. Innovation across the business is something we are proud of as we look to improve our impact on the land and continue providing a premium product to our valued customers. Demand for the Schulz range of product has never been higher. You will play an integral role in the quality of raw milk and the successful operation of the farm.

Set on 1000 acres with native vegetation encompassing approximately 5% with plans for growth, biodiversity is an important part of our future. We are in the process of transitioning many of our pastures to multispecies to have better synergy with the soil and environment together with the nutrition and health of our animals. Our herd is made up of a deliberate mix of Friesians and Jersey’s with a few mixed breeds. We milk between 400-500 cows and currently calve 4 times a year.

Being organic does not just mean being “chemical free”. For us, the whole system is linked – soil, plants, animals, food, people, environment. If you are wanting to contribute to an award winning range of products and leave a legacy within the Schulz farming history we would love to hear from you.

A bit about what will keep your day full

  • High standard of animal husbandry

  • Calving cows and colostrum management

  • Calf rearing including tubing and tagging of calves

  • Identification and treatment of sick animals, including drafting, vaccinations and recording all information accurately

  • Handle sick or injured animals and maintain an optimal environment for the wellbeing of livestock consistent with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines

  • Implement and monitor quality assurance procedures, ensuring compliance and that all relevant documentation is kept current

  • Rotary milking

  • Feeding out onto a feed pad and into the paddock

  • Fence repairs

  • Water repairs

  • Pasture work including seeding, spraying folios, weed management

  • AI experience (desired)

What we’d love from you

  • High work ethic

  • High communication skills

  • Show initiative

  • Machinery experience

  • To think calmly under pressure

  • Some after hours availability

  • Positive attitude with a growth mindset

  • Team player

  • Experience in the dairy industry

  • Able to follow instructions competently


Our values and culture

  • Family comes first

  • Supporting the person next to you

  • Transparency

  • Honesty

  • Hard Work

  • Resilience

Perks

  • Attractive salary

  • Free premium dairy products

  • Free barista coffees

  • Flexible roster with a five day break each fortnight

  • Career growth

  • Discounted café items

  • Accommodation can be provided

For a confidential chat, please contact Jessica Beer on 0439008720.

To apply for this position please email jobs@schulzorganicdairy.com.au with your CV and a bit about yourself.

Celebrating five years of Schulz Milk in Glass!

We’re thrilled to be celebrating a significant milestone this month – five whole years of Schulz Organic Dairy Milk in Glass! 

We can’t believe this journey started way back in 2017, when we started offering milk in returnable, refillable glass bottles exclusively at Farmers Markets across Victoria. The feedback? You wanted to get your hands on it more than once a week (and maybe closer to home too).

So in 2018, we launched our Pozible crowdfunding campaign, aiming to raise funds to upgrade our farm equipment to accommodate glass bottles – because despite being rewarding, the process wasn’t particularly efficient and more than a little fiddly (take a look at how we used to do it here). 

The outpouring of support from our community was humbling, with almost 1200 people across Australia banding together to get behind our Pozible campaign.

Here’s some very kind words from day dot Milk in Glass lovers:



Back to the way it should be. What a huge undertaking. LEGENDS!”
— Sarah MacDonald




“Pledging again because this is an amazing agenda – only as a community can make this kinda change work – and I want to help make that change.”
— Elise Dartnell




“Woohoo! I've been buying Schulz Milk for a long time. The milk is awesome, will be even better without plastic. Excited to be part of this initiative to reduce waste. Well done Schulz team!”
— Sarah Dyer




With your support, we raised over $106,000, enabling us to actually deliver 5,000 glass bottles of organic milk per week to our suppliers – rather than our initial target of 3,000 per week! 

In 2019 we finally launched into a range of fantastic retailers across Victoria, and in this first year, prevented 7.6 tonnes of plastic from entering landfill. Since then, your support has helped the Schulz Milk in Glass initiative save a huge 44 tonnes of plastic – that’s the same weight as a humpback whale! 

Plus in 2023, we cracked a massive one million bottles sold! 

We also continue to see the commitment of our wonderful customers through sales and returns, and although Covid-19 did see a drop in the rate of returns, we’re happy to say it continues to rise, with a phenomenal average return rate of 89% over the past 12 months. A quick reminder – our job on the other end is made much easier if your bottles are returned ‘naked’ (e.g. no lids, rings or labels) to your favourite retailer – click here for more information and FAQs.

We trialled a number of lid options as part of our research, from peel-back to solid aluminium and even steel! For now, our current plastic lids came out on top the best option.

Although all our bottle lids are made from recyclable plastic, many local councils across Australia do not accept them in home recycling.

So, we recommend checking with your council before putting our bottle lids in your recycling bin. Can’t recycle them in your area? You’ve got options. 

  1. Save them up and return them to be recycled at Alphington, Eltham and Coburg Farmers Markets.

  2. Remember that one of the best ways to make change in your area is to get talking! Contact your local council to start the conversation about expanding recycling options – and ask your friends, family and neighbours to do the same.

  3. Pass them onto an organisation doing good stuff with plastic! We’ve worked with the teams at Rethink Recycling and Lids4Kids.

If you know of a great organisation near you who upcycles lids, we’d love to hear from you!

The success of Milk in Glass simply could not have been achieved without all of you: the stockists, original Pozible pledgers, regular bottle filler-uppers and all the team at Schulz Organic Dairy. We appreciate every drop of effort you have put in to help spread the word!

So what’s next? The recent installation of new bottling machinery in the factory means a big bump in efficiency for us – which means more Milk in Glass heading out to our retailers!

We’re also continuing to explore options for improving the manufacturing and integrity of our glass bottles, together with new and innovative closure alternatives.

Want to stay in the loop about everything Milk in Glass? Sign up to our Moosletter here.

Our favourite ways to enjoy Hot Cross Buns this Easter!

The Hot Cross Bun is a treasured Easter tradition, and we love to be able to share it with you each year.

Our pastry chef Hila makes her Hot Cross Buns using our housemade sourdough culture, which gives the buns a little more density and amazing depth of flavour.

She adds fresh Schulz Organic Milk and Butter, as well as plump sultanas, raisins and currants, candied citrus peel and even whole oranges (cooked and blitzed for maximum zesty goodness), and finally her own blend of classic Easter spices. The Creamery and Cafe has never smelt so good!

So what’s the best way to enjoy Hila’s Hot Cross Buns? Fresh out the oven, of course! In the Cafe, we love to serve them with a generous helping of Schulz Cultured Butter (and maybe a Market Lane coffee too).

We also love to enjoy the buns with a smear of original Schulz Quark and a drizzle of honey, creating the perfect balance between savoury and sweet in each bite. Another indulgent option is to toast your buns and fill with a scoop of your favourite ice cream (we’ll be reaching for Timboon Fine Ice Cream) – a fun and delicious option that the kids can help with too!

Leftover buns? Use them in a twist on Hila’s Bread and Butter Pudding. Normally made with leftover bread, brioche or croissants, add hot cross buns instead for a festive take on this classic dessert – and it helps reduce food waste too!

A very limited number of Hila’s Hot Cross Buns will be available in the Cafe over the Easter long weekend. Snagged a pack in the pre-orders? Make sure you head in and pick yours up to enjoy with the family (and maybe some organic butter on your way through).

Happy Easter and we look forward to welcoming you in Timboon soon!