Bottles made from 100% rPET are not new, but the development of this new 7UP EcoGreen bottle marks a significant achievement for PepsiCo and for the soft drinks industry in general.
Creating a bottle made from 100% recycled plastic for carbonated soft drinks is more challenging than creating a bottle for non-carbonated beverages, because of the stress on materials from carbonation pressure.
“After three years of research and development, we have cracked the code to commercially develop a soft drink bottle made from 100% rPET, and Canada has proudly led the way,” said PepsiCo Beverages Canada president, Richard Glover.
I’ve long held the view that rPET is the right way forward, particularly when supported with consumer education on the importance of returning waste plastic to the recycling loop.
I’m intrigued by plant-based polymers, but sense that it’s too early to judge their true benefit. I’m also swayed by the argument from the oxo-biodegradable lobby that their technology brings benefit to virgin, rPET and plant-based bottles, so that anything not collected for recycling doesn’t eventually contribute to landfill. And as the debate rumbles on, I’d really like to know your views.
In the meantime, by introducing the 7UP EcoGreen bottle in Canada, PepsiCo Beverages Canada will reduce the amount of virgin plastic used by approximately six million pounds over the course of one year.
Studies published by The Association of Plastic Postconsumer Recyclers in 2010 estimate this reduced use of virgin plastic will lead to a reduction of more than 30% in greenhouse gas emissions and more than 55% in energy use, based on current 7UP production levels.
Bill Bruce is group editorial director of FoodBev Media. You can contact him here
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