For the first time, Werner & Mertz is using a closure made of 100 per cent PP recyclate from the household collection „Yellow Bag“ as standard. The sustainable FROSCH Lemon Cleaner now rolls off the production line in the 750-millilitre bottle with the new hinged cap made of PP recyclate.
The programme launched by Werner & Mertz Recyclate initiative has taken another step towards sustainability and another - now the third - post-consumer recycled plastic is being used as part of the initiative. The recycled material is provided by the company „Der Grüne Punkt - Duales System Deutschland GmbH“ (DSD).
Recyclates from the Systalen product family are used here. The closures are manufactured by HEINZ PLASTICS Böhm GmbH from Langenau in Upper Franconia. Werner & Mertz is also committed to sustainability when it comes to pigmentation: the green colour of the hinged cap is achieved through the so-called „Cradle-to-Cradle™ masterbatch. This pigmentation is sustainable and enables Cradle to Cradle™ certification.
„With regard to the visual appearance, durability and use, the Hinged closure from post-consumer recyclate has no disadvantages compared to conventional closures made from virgin material,“ explains ImmoSander, Head of Packaging Development at Werner & Mertz.
„With the Recyclate Initiative launched by Werner & Mertz, we are showing what is possible in plastics recycling today. With the polypropylene closures, we have succeeded in closing the loop for another type of plastic,“ says a pleased Werner & Mertz employee. Michael Wiener, CEO of the Green Dot.
Intensive development work
The innovative closure is the result of around nine months of intensive joint development work by Werner & Mertz, DSD and HEINZ-PLASTICS. The closure had to undergo numerous stress tests, all of which were positive.
The first product to be launched is the FROSCH lemon cleaner with the new closure. Werner & Mertz will gradually equip other FROSCH brand products with the sustainable closures. Certification according to Cradle to Cradle™ is also planned.
Last year, the Recyclate Initiative attracted attention with the world's first bottles made of 100 per cent HDPE from the Yellow Bag. For this, it received the German Packaging Award in Gold.
