Capping off circularity: Heinz Tomato Ketchup unveils fully recyclable squeeze bottle

21 Jul 2023 --- Heinz Tomato Ketchup’s squeeze bottle is now fully recyclable following the addition of a monomaterial cap.

The “first-of-its-kind cap” is 100% recyclable. The launch in the UK is part of Kraft Heinz’s larger ambition to make all of its packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.

“Although it might seem like a small change, the new cap means Heinz Tomato Ketchup lovers can now recycle their whole squeezy bottle at once – a small action with big potential for impact. The move means a potential 300 million plastic caps annually can be recycled instead of finding their way into landfill,” a Kraft Heinz spokesperson tells Packaging Insights.

Heinz asserts the cap plays a part in its goal to reduce the company’s use of virgin plastic by 20% by 2030. Circular economy charity WRAP supports Heinz’s addition of the recyclable cap.

“While prevention or elimination of packaging in the first instance would be the ideal scenario (and at the top of the hierarchy), packaging plays an important, practical and convenient role. Therefore, the next step is to ensure as much of it is recyclable, reusable or compostable as possible,” says Adam Herriott, senior sector specialist at WRAP.

Heinz Ketchup has created a monomaterial cap to make the entire bottle recyclable. Same bottle, new cap
Heinz says it has been developing the cap solution for years. The cap’s past iteration used a flexible valve made from silicone which, while suitable for delivering the right amount of ketchup, was typically a challenge to recycle.

“We know our consumers care about their impact on the environment, and so do we, which is why we’re delighted to see our innovative, more sustainable caps on Heinz Tomato Ketchup bottles across the UK. Although a small change, this makes it easy for the millions of Heinz lovers across the country to recycle their whole squeezy bottle at once,” says Jojo de Noronha, president of Kraft Heinz Northern Europe.

Now using a single, rigid material allows the cap to be fully recyclable. The company still ensures it delivers the same serving of ketchup.

Studies by Heinz revealed that another benefit of the new caps is that they make it easier to squeeze out sauce when the bottle is nearly empty. “We’d suggest giving it a quick rinse once you’ve enjoyed the last drop of ketchup and pop it in the appropriate recycling collection,” adds the spokesperson.

Focus on the future
The new caps will be on UK supermarket shelves starting from August.

The president of Kraft Heinz Northern Europe explains how the new cap adheres to the UK Plastic Pact.

“Through the UK Plastics Pact, our members have made some groundbreaking changes and introduced innovations to ensure we are reusing, recycling, refilling and composting as much as possible. A lot of work is still to be done to ensure we reach our targets and have circularity regarding this material,” explains de Noronha.

“We’re constantly working to make further positive steps to reduce our impact on the planet: all our cans and bottles can already be recycled. We have made our 100% recyclable steel cans a lot lighter over the years; and have recently delivered our first circular Tomato Ketchup squeezy bottle to the market, which means it can be made back into food-grade packaging,” the spokesperson tells us.

By Sabine Waldeck

To contact our editorial team please email us at editorial@cnsmedia.com