ALPLA and Zerooo SEA ME GmbH have developed reusable PET containers- A standardized solution for shampoo, shower gel, detergent, body lotion and dental care products in 300 milliliter PET bottles. This reusable and fully recyclable plastic packaging is available in three colors and is suitable for all caps. A laser-etched 2D data matrix code provides information about the contents of each bottle and its circulation.
Zerooo is synonymous with reusable packaging that promotes the circular economy in the cosmetics industry. The system offered by the start-up SEA ME GmbH offers brand manufacturers, in addition to glass bottles, sustainable PET bottles. Together with ten brand partners and packaging and recycling specialist ALPLA, the company has developed a 300ml reusable and recyclable PET bottle, which is available in clear, milky white and brown versions. Other formats are planned.
Starting in September, the first manufacturers in Germany will present cosmetic and care products in PET packaging from the reusable Zerooo system, and in October they will do so in Austria. In addition to SEA ME's own brand, these include Sodasan, i+m Naturkosmetik, Speick, Denttabs, 4 people who care and Aveo by Müller. Empty containers can be returned to the approximately one thousand collection points of zerooo's retail partners in exchange for a deposit of €0,50.
ALPLA promotes closed “bottle to bottle” cycles with its own plants. The company brings its experience as a system provider and also helps customers with design. The zerooo reusable PET bottle has been developed in collaboration with the SEA ME GmbH team at ALPLA's in-house STUDIOa design center at the company's headquarters in Hard.
«With “Design for Recycling”, we set the course from the beginning for optimal recycling and the longest possible useful life. 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 its carbon footprint," he highlights. Alexander Tränkle, industrial designer at ALPLA.
Each reusable Zerooo PET bottle is unique. A laser-engraved 2D data matrix code, the zerooo ID, provides information on content and circulation history. «Digital labeling allows transparency and guarantees the quality of the bottles. By combining it with the information on the label, it can also be complemented with other product information," he explains. Jörg Schwärzler, senior technology director at ALPLA.
The reusable PET bottle is compatible with all automatic return systems. At the end of their life cycle, bottles and caps are sorted and recycled.
