Heinz has created many innovative products over the years and now it is looking to achieve another first. The food giant has announced it is looking to introduce the "ketchup bottle of the future" made out of paper.
Parent company, Kraft Heinz, is working with developers to create a bottle made out of sustainable packaging. But whatever the result it will undergo rigorous testing to make sure it is up to the job.
The manufacturer is known for a whole range of foods including its tomato ketchup. Now it has confirmed it is working with Cambridge firm Pulpex to develop the packaging product, according to Birmingham Live.
It is understood the new design will be available alongside the current glass and plastic designs. Kraft Heinz CEO Miguel Patricio said: “Packaging waste is an industrywide challenge that we must all do our part to address.
"That is why we are committed to taking steps to explore sustainable packaging solutions across our brands at Kraft Heinz, offering consumers more choices. This new Heinz bottle is one example of how we are applying creativity and innovation to explore new ways to provide consumers with the products they know and love while also thinking sustainably.”
Pulpex uses wood pulp to create containers which are recyclable. It says its paper-based packaging has a carbon footprint 90 per cent lower than glass and 30 per cent less than PET plastic.
It says it is working on creating paper-based packaging which can hold carbonated and hot products. They have already partnered with firms including PepsiCo and Unilever to develop prototype bottles for soft drinks and detergent. They say these could one day “could change the face of packaging as we know it”.
Heinz will now carry out its tests on the initial designs to see if they are suitable. Once they are happy with them they will go out to gauge public opinion.
However the work remains ongoing. At present there is no definite date for when they are likely to be available for customers to buy.
Rashida La Lande, EVP & Global General Counsel and Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at Kraft Heinz, said of the move: “We hope to bring this bottle to market and to be the first sauce brand to provide consumers this choice in their purchasing decisions, as many consumers today are looking for more sustainable packaging options. We’re eager to continue discovering more sustainable packaging for our beloved and iconic brands.”
“We believe that the scope for paper-based packaging is huge, and when global household names like HEINZ embrace this type of innovative technology, it’s good news for everyone – consumers and the planet,” added Pulpex CEO Scott Winston.
The bottle would be the newest packaging option for Heinz ketchup lovers alongside the current iconic recyclable glass bottle and plastic bottle, as well as their plastic squeeze bottles made from 30% recycled material and 100% recyclable caps. The paper version would be a big step in Heinz’s mission to make all of their packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.
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