recycled

Consumer trend analysts at Spate recently noted that the search volume for “sunscreen” has increased 30.8% year-over-year with a 4.5% predicted growth over the next 12 months. Additionally, search volume for “after sun care” & “face tanning lotion” has grown 32.7% and 22.8% in the same period, respectively. This presents brands with an opportunity to innovate on their current sun care packaging as a means of meeting sustainability goals, driving sensorial engagement, or standing out on the shelf.

Particularly soda and water bottles of all shapes and sizes. Scientists have been looking for ways to cut down on this waste and a study for Green Chemistryshows it may now be possible. Using genetically-modified bacteria, a team at Edinburgh University in Scotland, has been able to convert PET plastic waste into vanilla flavouring. 

The inner layer of the sustainable bottle is 100 percent virgin high density polyethylene (HDPE), while the external layer is primarily made from PCR with an overall balance of 50% virgin PE and 50% PCR. The virgin HDPE inner layer and accurate selection of PCR assure product integrity and the visibility of the filled product level.   Additionally, all external components such as corner protectors, plastic feet or plastic pallets are produced with recycled polyethylene.

The first customer of the rEPS packaging is French firm Prevor, which is using the material for protecting medical products during shipping. Prevor claims that the rEPS packs enable the elimination of secondary packaging. A project with a manufacturer of cleaning equipment has also started in Germany.

Storopack has a fully integrated rEPS production process, whereby it handles the recycling and production of rEPS beads at its own factories.

INCREASING AWARENESS OF REUSE AND RECYCLING

The refill station pilot project is scheduled to last for six to eight months, with the aim of gathering experience together with the target group in order to find out which solutions make sense and are feasible for fostering a closed-loop economy. The Hamburg-based company plans to take further steps depending on how well the public responds to the new service.