As beverage producers intensify efforts to reduce single-use packaging and meet tightening regulatory expectations, Sidel has unveiled a purpose-built returnable PET bottle for the still water category, designed to deliver lightweighting, durability and compatibility with existing recycling streams and production systems.
“With beverage producers and retailers actively seeking innovative solutions to reduce waste and promote circularity in this high-volume category, returnable PET bottle production presents significant opportunities,” the company said.
Jerome Neveu, packaging and mould product manager at Sidel, said, “Driven by increasing consumer expectations around reuse and the evolving regulatory environment, especially within the EU, Sidel has taken an important step in bottle design, offering still water producers unique and optimised, reusable solutions.”
Neveu said the design has been developed specifically for still water rather than adapted from carbonated water applications. “With our new Returnable PET, Still Water, Sidel has introduced a returnable bottle that is truly purpose-built for still water, one of the largest bottled beverage markets. Beverage producers are no longer limited to bottles originally designed for carbonated water. Instead, we offer the first returnable PET bottle developed specifically for still water, delivering significant lightweighting opportunities, durable aesthetics and customisable design options.”
The bottle is 10 per cent lighter than the lightest 1-litre returnable carbonated water bottles currently used for still water, according to Sidel. It is designed to withstand up to 25 washing cycles and is fully compatible with existing PET recycling streams.
It is also compatible with Sidel’s EvoBLOW blow-moulding range.
The design is available in cylindrical and square formats, in sizes from 0.5 to 2 litres, and can incorporate textured surfaces. Sidel said this supports use in retail, hotels, restaurants and catering (HORECA) where appearance is a key consideration.
