PET proves its worth to Coke... again and again

Amcor PET Packaging has been chosen to manufacture a new 0.5 L refill PET bottle for Coca-Cola Germany. The refill bottle offers an alternative packaging format to small glass bottles and the can and is part of Coca-Cola’s response to the recent deposit law in Germany on all affected one-way packaging, which has seen a resurgence of interest in refillable options.

Amcor PET Packaging has been chosen to manufacture a new 0.5 L refill PET bottle for Coca-Cola Germany. The refill bottle offers an alternative packaging format to small glass bottles and the can and is part of Coca-Cola’s response to the recent deposit law in Germany on all affected one-way packaging, which has seen a resurgence of interest in refillable options. Amcor PET Packaging says the bottle, produced at its Mendig plant in Germany, retains all the consumer benefits that have made PET the material of choice for CSD packaging – lightweight, shatterproof, easy-handling – while allowing approx. 20 trips. The bottle is produced in heavy-PET to enable multi-trip usage but at about 51g, it still represents a significantly lesser weight than glass. “PET is seen by consumers as a modern, distinctive and convenient packaging choice,” comments Sven Erler, Packaging Director, Coca-Cola GmbH, Deutschland. “While the material already has a good environmental profile, particularly in terms of its recyclability, our third PET refill size further increases its relevance in the current market climate.” The PET refill bottle was launched in April, initially in cooler outlets. Towards the end of 2003 it will be available in easy-to-carry plastic crates of 12 bottles in grocery stores. Over the next two years, a pool of over 100 million PET bottles will be built up.