Tri-Star Packaging rolls out 100 percent rPET Jewel salad containers
23 Jul 2019 --- UK supplier Tri-Star Packaging has launched Jewel, a new range of salad containers made from 100 percent recycled PET (rPET), delivering excellent visibility and enhanced product perception, as communicated by the brand. Consumer research on the packaging design was said to have scored positive results, positioning Jewel as ideal for new or refreshed product lines.
“Kerbside collection schemes pick up the mixed plastic waste which passes through a materials and plastics recovery facility,” a spokesperson of the brand tells PackagingInsights, detailing the sourcing of the plastic. “Items such as water bottles are separated out before being flaked, washed and extruded into new rolls of rPET. Jewel is available now across all foodservice and catering sectors in the UK including education, hospitals, retail, coffee shops and travel.”
Jewel’s crystal-clear faceted look was designed to enable product premiumization, enhanced appeal and fantastic on-shelf impact. This packaging’s shape is uniquely formed, allowing for both an eye-catching angled presentation and a standard stackable option. Through creating differentiation, Jewel is said to drive fast on-the-go sales.
Aimed at the on-the-go market and with convenience in mind for perishable food items, Jewel features a clip-on lid to retain product freshness. It is designed with a stable, portable structure, helping to ensure the safety of products during transport, stacking, on-shelf, purchase and on-the-go usage.
Jewel is available in three different popular sizes – 500cc, 750cc and 1000cc – each with one standard lid which reduces SKUs and space requirements. Jewel can be heat-sealable with a clip-on lid for freshness. Labels, sleeves or watchstrap provide a range of labeling options. Jewel also has de-nesting features for easy separation and operational efficiency.
“This latest launch from Tri-Star Packaging, really is the gem in our sustainability crown,” saysKevin Curran, Founder of Tri-Star Packaging. “Jewel is one of the most environmentally-friendly salad container products on the market. Made from 100 percent recycled materials, the range is manufactured in the UK and so has a low carbon footprint with low fuel miles. I’m currently calling this totally British innovation a ‘Brexit Buster’ product.”
“It is imperative that we communicate the environmental benefits to ensure consumers understand their role, so completing the environmental story, the ‘made with 100 percent recycled material’ message is embossed on the base,” adds Curran. “In addition, Jewel is fully recyclable in standard recycling systems, making it one of the most sustainable products on the market.”
rPET on the rise
Ubiquitous calls for a circular economy are apparent this year. Earlier this month, Evian teamed up with recycling expert charity RECOUP to supply the Wimbledon 2019 tennis championship with bottled water packaged in 100 percent rPET, while increasing the available number of recycling bins on the premises.
Also this month, natural mineral water brand Valvert in Belgium launched its new bottle made entirely from rPET, a first for Nestlé in Europe. This innovation was cited as a step further towards meeting Nestlé's commitment to increase the rPET content in its water bottles to 35 percent globally by 2025.
Similarly, PepsiCo has announced that premium bottled water brand LIFEWTR will be packaged in 100 percent rPET and that bubly sparkling water will no longer be packaged in plastic by 2020. Bubly will instead be packaged in aluminum cans. The company's AQUAFINA water brand will also offer aluminum can packaging in US food service outlets, while the brand tests the move in retail.
By Benjamin Ferrer
