Alpla leads drive for reusable plastics

Austrian recycling specialist Alpla is backing a new scheme using individually marked PET bottles to drive up reuse in the cosmetic and personal care sector.

Thecompany has teamed up with reusable packaging company zerooo and start-up SEA ME to create a ange of reusable and fully recyclable 300mm PET bottles.

Laser tech

Each PET bottle will be unique. A laser-engraved 2D data matrix code – the zerooo ID – provides information about the content and circulation history of each bottle.

‘The digital labelling enables transparency and ensures the quality of the bottles,’ explains Jörg Schwärzler, senior technology manager at Alpla. ‘By combining it with the information from the label, it can also be complemented with further product data.

Schwärzler adds that the reusable bottle is compatible with all automatic return systems. At the end of their life cycle, the bottles and caps are sorted and recycled.

Preparing roll out

Starting in September, the first manufacturers in Germany will present cosmetics and care products in PET containers from the zerooo reusable system. Austria will follow in October. Empties can be returned to the approximately one thousand collection points of zerooo retail partners for a deposit of 50 cents.

The packaging will be available in three versions; clear, white and brown, and is suitable for all caps. They will be made for:

• shampoo
• shower gel
• detergent
• body lotion
• dental care

Bottle-to-bottle friendly

The new PET bottle was developed at Alpla’s in-house Studioa design centre at the company’s headquarters in Hard. The company says the packaging builds on its bottle-to-bottle recycling operations currently running in countries like Poland and South Africa.

‘With “Design for Recycling”, we are setting the course early on for optimum recycling and the longest possible service life,’ comments Alexander Tränkle, industrial designer at Alpla. ‘Every detail counts when it comes to shape, colour and material. The new reusable system extends the life cycle of the plastic bottle, saves material and reduces its carbon footprint.’