Amcor captures DuPont Packaging Award for 100% post-consumer recycled PET bottle

Amcor Rigid Plastics earned a Diamond award in the Technological Advancement, Responsible Packaging, and Enhanced User Experience categories for the development of a 53oz polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle for Method Products which contains 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET resin.

The awards program is an international, independently-judged competition that honors innovations in packaging design, materials, technology, and processes across the entire packaging value chain. Inaugurated in 1986, the DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation is recognized globally as the leading packaging awards program.

“We are delighted to be recognized by DuPont for our commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Jim Rooney, vice president of sales for Amcor Rigid Plastics’ Diversified Products business unit. “Our primary objective is partnering with customers and creating unique solutions like this 100% PCR PET bottle which delivers major sustainability benefits for Method and reinforces its strong environmental platform.”

The 53oz sleek, transparent custom container, which delivers strong shelf appeal, is the industry’s first liquid laundry bottle made of 100% PCR PET. Well-known for its brightly colored hand wash and all-purpose cleaning formulations showcased in clear PET bottles, Method has broken new ground in the liquid laundry detergent aisle. In a market that has previously been predominately limited to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) containers, PET has struggled to enter the liquid laundry detergent market due to compatibility and color stability issues. Initially, Amcor provided product compatibility testing with Method’s liquid formula product to ensure package stability on the store shelf. Amcor also worked through challenges with the container’s neck design, spout closure, and hand grips, ultimately creating a unique and sustainable design that could be stretch blow molded with a consumer-appealing hand grip.

The ergonomic design allows easy gripping and pouring and comfortable lifting. The new 100% PCR PET container meets high standards for sustainability with the package’s life cycle energy consumption reduced by 78% and its carbon footprint lowered by 35% versus a virgin PET alternative.

Amcor Rigid Plastics has a 24/7 on-site manufacturing facility at Method’s Chicago plant to help reduce transportation costs and lower Method’s carbon footprint. Amcor is making 100% post-consumer recycled PET bottles for hand wash and household cleaners at Method’s Chicago plant with production aided by wind energy. This is a first for an Amcor facility, which has reduced the need for 600 trucks of bottle freight and eliminated 200 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

http://www.amcor.com