Berry Global has created a range of reusable bottles made entirely out of post-consumer recycled plastic for the UK ethical cleaning company The Bio-D Company.
Bio-D, B Corp certified business, specialises in the production of cleaning products which offer 100% naturally derived alternatives to toxic chemicals for safe and efficient cleaning that does not harm people or the environment.
The range includes 750ml, 1 litre and 5 litre sizes for a number of Bio-D’s liquid products including Laundry Liquid, Fabric Conditioner, Dishwasher Rinse Aid, Washing Up Liquid, and Home & Garden Cleaner.
The company researched the options and found that a 100% PCR bottle offered the most suitable and environmentally responsible choice.
At the same time, it required the bottles to deliver a high level of performance in terms of durability and longevity.
The result is a bottle design enabling the bottles to be refilled multiple times at over 300 refill stores nationwide, after which, at their end of life, they can be recycled
Bio-D has calculated that the CO2 emissions saved by using 100% PCR bottles compared to virgin plastic amount to 13 tonnes annually.
“Our customers are naturally very sustainability conscious, so it is vital that our packaging represents the same ethos,” said Heather Nixon, Bio-D’s Sustainability Manager.
The various bottles are blow moulded in 100% PCR HDPE and incorporate an embossed Bio-D logo to maintain the brand’s presence throughout the life of the bottle. The design for the 1 litre Laundry Liquid and Fabric Conditioner bottles also features a handle for safe carrying and controlled pouring.
Bio-D’s requirements represented a new challenge for Berry.
“While we have been using recycled material in our containers for many years, the requirements for the Bio-D bottle set us additional challenges that required new material technology and processing requirements and an extensive new test regime,” said Sally Halliwell, Sales Development Manager, Berry Global Blow Moulding Specialities.
As part of the development process, Berry BMS was able to call on the processing experience of Berry’s specialist recycling business Berry Circular Polymers. In addition, the closure for the bottle is produced by Berry Norwich, providing Bio-D with a complete single-source bottle and closure solution.
“We have worked with Berry over a number of years and the company has always delivered excellent quality and service. Consumers love these bottles because they know each one has been manufactured from waste plastic and can be used time and time again,” concluded Heather Nixon.