Henkel has selected Greiner Packaging’s sustainable cardboard-plastic tubs based on 50 % post-consumer recycled PP as packaging for its new Somat Excellence 4in1 caps.
The tubs, which were introduced in 2020 for Henkel’s Persil 4in1 Discs laundry detergent, were recognised with a World Star Award in 2021.
Henkel is betting that consumers will appreciate the sustainable structure, easy recyclability and premium shelf appeal of the new product’s packaging.
“Based on our experiences with other similarly designed packaging solutions, we already know that this type of smart, sustainable packaging from our partner Greiner Packaging is a big hit with consumers,” said Carsten Bertram, senior manager for international dishwashing packaging development at Henkel.
Produced using a combination of cardboard and plastic, the solution reduces the amount of plastic used by more than 40 % compared to previous tub packs. After use, the cardboard wrap - made from nearly 100% recycled cardboard - and the plastic tub can be easily separated for recycling. The inner layer of the plastic container is made of white virgin material, with an outer layer that contains 50% r-PP from post-consumer sources.
The tub lids are also supplied by Greiner Packaging. The team developed a special concept for Henkel, featuring a sealing film that is built into the lid. The opening of the tub is calibrated ahead of time so that it fits with absolute precision, securely protecting the caps and providing a top-class seal to prevent moisture from getting in.
“The new packaging for the Somat Excellence 4in1 dishwasher caps stands out […] also because of its high degree of technical functionality,” said Bertram.
He added that the same packaging principle will also be used for the Henkel’s Somat Gold dishwasher tablets.
Cardboard-plastic combinations offer logistics benefits as well. In this case, the lids, plastic tubs, and folded cardboard wraps are delivered separately to Henkel, with Greiner Packaging’s long-standing joint venture partner, Cardbox Packaging, supplying the wraps. These are then folded and slipped over the tub directly before filling at the company, ensuring a high degree of flexibility while keeping stocks to a minimum.