ALPLA and zerooo have developed a standardized solution for cosmetics and care products based on reusable and recyclable PET bottles.
From September, the first brands will begin filling shampoo, shower gel, detergent, body lotion and dental care products in 300 ml PET bottles. The packaging is available in clear, white and brown and is suitable for all closures, the companies say. A laser-engraved 2D data matrix code provides information about the contents of each bottle and its circulation.
zerooo has set itself the goal of creating reusable packaging that promotes the circular economy in the cosmetics industry. The system from the German start-up SEA ME is intended to offer brand manufacturers safe, affordable and sustainable PET bottles for the first time in addition to glass bottles.
A completely recyclable solution has been developed together with ALPLA and ten brand partners, according to a company statement. The reusable PET bottle can be used as a shatter-proof alternative for hygiene products in the shower, and other formats are planned.
From September, the first manufacturers in Germany will be packaging cosmetics and care products in PET containers from the zerooo reusable system, with Austria following in October. In addition to the SEA ME own brand, these include sodasan, i+m Naturkosmetik, Speick, Denttabs, 4 people who care and Aveo by Müller. Empty bottles can apparently be returned to the collection points of zerooo trading partners (approx. 1,000 pieces) for a deposit of 0.50 euros.
Each zerooo reusable PET bottle has a laser-engraved 2D data matrix code – the zerooo ID – which provides information about the contents and circulation history. “The digital labeling enables transparency and ensures the quality of the bottles. By combining it with the information from the label, it can also be supplemented with further product data,” explains Jörg Schwärzler, Senior Technology Manager at ALPLA. The reusable PET bottle is compatible with all automatic return systems, and at the end of its life cycle, bottles and caps are sorted and recycled.
ALPLA says it promotes closed bottle-to-bottle cycles with its own factories; the zerooo reusable PET bottle was developed with the SEA ME team in ALPLA’s own design center STUDIOa at the company headquarters in Hard.
“Every detail counts when it comes to shape, color and material. The reusable system extends the life cycle of the plastic bottle, saves material and reduces the carbon footprint,” emphasizes Alexander Tränkle, industrial designer at ALPLA.
“We are proud that we have succeeded for the first time in integrating the individual serialization of bottles directly into the production process. 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 the acquisition of Heinlein Plastik-Technik to expand its pharmaceutical division to include closure systems, dispensing systems and application aids for pharmaceutical and medical products. Heinlein’s 22,000 m2 site uses injection molding technologies and assembly machines to produce primary plastic packaging.
A few months ago, we spoke with Sykell co-founder Michael Kappler about the company’s Circular ERP product, which aims to “revolutionize” the way companies manage and assess the performance of reuse projects. The system is designed to enable retailers and partners in the food, beverage, beauty and health sectors to move from single-use to reusable packaging and towards a circular economy.
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