2Sustain

Over the past few years, there have been dramatic developments in sustainable packaging options for the world’s leading beverage manufacturers.

First, the Coca-Cola Company developed the recyclable PlantBottle, made partially from plant-based material.

Then, PepsiCo unveiled the world’s first PET plastic bottle made entirely from plant-based resources, and began offering eco-friendly cup options to its foodservice customers.

Now, PepsiCo Beverages Canada has announced the introduction of the 7UP EcoGreen™ bottle, Canada’s – and North America’s – first soft drink bottle made from 100 percent recycled PET plastic.

According to PepsiCo, creating a bottle made from 100 percent recycled plastic for 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, the company says it has identified a way to couple existing technology with optimal sources of recycled PET plastic and best-in-class processing techniques to produce a 100 percent recycled PET, food-grade bottle that is high-quality and meets all regulatory requirements.

Ultimately, the new 7UP EcoGreen bottle will enable PepsiCo Beverages Canada to reduce the amount of virgin plastic it uses by approximately six million pounds over the course of one year. Studies published by the Association for Post-Consumer Plastic Recyclers in 2010 estimate this reduced use of virgin plastic will lead to:

• a reduction of more than 30 percent in greenhouse gas emissions and

• savings of more than 55 percent in energy use

(based on current 7UP production levels).

The bottle will be available across all 7UP and Diet 7UP package sizes throughout Canada beginning in early August.

“Consumers want products and packaging that reflects their desire to protect the environment, and PepsiCo is committed to delivering on that with this kind of world-class innovation,” Richard Glover, President, PepsiCo Beverages Canada, said.