Coles Brand water bottle, launched in February, is one of just a handful in the world that is 100 per cent recycled and recyclable, and now the retailer has named its two partners in the venture as its Brand Packaging Supplier of the Year.
The new bottle was the result of 18 months of collaborative development by Coles, Visy and Schweppes and is being used on all Coles Brand 330ml, 600ml and 1.5ml water bottles.
The lightweight bottle is made from 100 per cent recycled and 100 per cent recyclable PET, and could translate to 130 million fewer bottles being made from new plastic every year.
“Coles is proud to be the first Australian supermarket - and in fact one of only a few brands globally - to offer a 100% recycled and recyclable bottle. Without the fantastic work of Visy and Schweppes, we wouldn’t have been able to make this happen,” Coles managing director, John Durkan, said at its Coles Brand Supplier Conference in Melbourne.
“Operational trials were conducted over many months to perfect material specifications and these packed water bottles were then extensively tested to ensure they are safe and there was no compromise to the customer. We believe we have set a new standard in water bottle material for the Australian market.”
Visy played a role in the technical, labelling and manufacturing developments of the bottle. It also developed a unique labelling system for the promotion of the recycled content.
“Visy's recent $40m investment in a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) facility at Smithfield, NSW has created a range of new opportunities for our business and clients,” Visy general manager insights & innovation, Richard Macchiesi, said.
“Working closely with Coles and Schweppes to develop a 100 per cent recycled PET water bottle was an exciting project that brought genuine innovation to the retail shelf.”
Schweppes also launched rPET across all its key brands during the period. Schweppes Australia chief commercial officer, Darren Tendler said: “This has been a key project that has included a cross-functional team of people from multiple manufacturing sites and internal departments.
“This strategic three-way partnership has showcased the active commitment all parties have to sustainability and what can be achieved when working collaboratively towards the same goal.”
The lightweight bottle is made from 100 per cent recycled and 100 per cent recyclable PET.
