ALPLA and zerooo have developed a standardized solution for cosmetics and care products, using reusable and recyclable PET bottles.
From September, the first brands are due to begin packaging shampoo, shower gel, detergent, body lotion and dental care products in 300ml PET bottles. The companies say the packaging is available in clear, white and brown versions and is suitable for all caps. A laser-engraved 2D data matrix code provides information on the contents of each bottle and its circulation.
zerooo aims to create reusable packaging that fosters the circular economy in the cosmetics industry. The system from German start-up SEA ME is said to offer brand manufacturers safe, affordable and sustainable PET bottles, in addition to glass bottles, for the first time.
The company states it has created a fully recyclable solution in collaboration with ALPLA and ten brand partners. It adds that the reusable PET bottle can be used as a shatterproof alternative for toiletries in the shower, and further formats are planned.
From September, the first manufacturers in Germany are due to start packaging cosmetics and care products in PET containers from the zerooo reusable system, with Austria following suit in October. In addition to SEA ME’s own brand, these include sodasan, i+m Naturkosmetik, Speick, Denttabs, 4 people who care and Aveo from Müller. Apparently, empty bottles can be returned to the collection points of zerooo retail partners (approximately one thousand of these will be available) for a deposit of €0.50.
Apparently, each zerooo reusable PET bottle has a laser-engraved 2D data matrix code – the zerooo ID – which provides information about the content and circulation history. “The digital labelling enables transparency and ensures the quality of the bottles. By combining it with the information from the label, it can also be complemented with further product data,” explains Jörg Schwärzler, senior technology manager at ALPLA. The reusable PET bottle is reportedly compatible with all automatic return systems, and at the end of their life cycle, the bottles and caps are sorted and recycled.
ALPLA says it is promoting closed ‘bottle-to-bottle’ cycles with its own plants, and the zerooo reusable PET bottle was developed with the SEA ME team at ALPLA’s in-house STUDIOa design centre, at the company’s headquarters in Hard.
“Every detail counts when it comes to shape, colour and material. The reusable system extends the life cycle of the plastic bottle, saves material and reduces its carbon footprint,” emphasises Alexander Tränkle, industrial designer at ALPLA.
“We are proud to have succeeded in integrating the individual serialization of bottles directly into the production process for the first time. This innovation enables groundbreaking data applications for packaging in the context of reuse,” comments Mirko Waraszik, supply chain director and co-founder of zerooo at SEA ME GmbH.
In June, ALPLA announced it was acquiring Heinlein Plastik-Technik in an effort to expand its pharma division with closure systems, dosing systems, and application aids for pharmaceutical and medical products. Heinlein’s 22,000m2 site utilizes injection moulding technologies and assembly machines to manufacture primary packaging made of plastic.
A few months earlier, we spoke to Sykell co-founder Michael Kappler about the company’s ‘Circular ERP’ product, designed to ‘revolutionize’ how companies manage and judge the performance of reuse projects. The system aims to enable retailers and partners in the food, beverage, cosmetic and drugstore sectors to shift from disposable to reusable packaging and towards a circular economy.
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