Thanks for your interest in sustainable packaging.

Many of us are concerned about the environment, and whether we like it or not, all our activities have some form of environmental impact. Our busy lifestyles make eating on the go and take-out part of our everyday lives, and that puts focus on single-use packaging. So what is the most sustainable packaging alternative?

When it comes to packaging, many believe that all plastic is harmful and that compostable alternatives (for example bagasse, molded fiber and plant-based plastics) are more environmentally friendly. However, scientific research shows that post-consumer recycled PET, which we use in our BOTTLEBOX® containers, have a lower carbon footprint and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60% vs virgin PET, 30% vs plant-based plastics and 90% vs bagasse. We will go deeper into that below, but first you can watch our video:

Some facts about recycling PET and other materials

the BOTTLEBOX - Recycle Icon 1 PET is the most recycled plastic in the world, and research shows that increasing recycled content clearly decreases environmental impacts. It is true that compostable alternatives are made of renewable resources, which can look and feel more sustainable. However, they have clear environmental drawbacks, such as requiring a lot of water and energy to produce.

Another factor to consider is the end-of-life for different products. While 94% of Americans have access to PET recycling, only 9% have access to composting. That means a lot of compostable materials actually are not composted at all and end up in landfills instead.

Recently, bagasse and molded fiber containers have received criticism for containing PFAS, a cancer-linked chemical that is added for grease and moisture resistance. No alternative solution is available today. Recycled PET goes through a thorough cleaning process and is approved for direct food contact.

Know your recycling numbers

All plastic is not the same! To learn how to recycle responsibly, knowing the differences between the 7 different types of plastic is important.

the BOTTLEBOX - Recycle Icon 1 PET, which we use in our BOTTLEBOX® containers, is the most recycled plastic in the world.

We also use the BOTTLEBOX - Recycle Icon 5 PP for hot food containers, mainly as bases matched with BOTTLEBOX® lids.

Read more about recycling.

Check the recycling label on your package and learn more at www.how2recycle.com

For information on curbside pickups and other recycling locations, go to www.Earth911.com and search on your zip code.

Highly Recyclable
recycle 1 - PET
recycle 2 - HDPE
recycle 4 - LDPE
recycle 5 - PP
Do not recycle
recycle 3 - PVC
recycle 6 - PS
recycle 7 - PLA
Recycling Graphic

Life cycle analysis

Most companies would not take the time to conduct their own life cycle analysis, however, Pete and Gerry’s, a leader in the organic egg industry, did just that. They asked experts to look into the full life cycle of recycled PET (rPET), molded pulp, and polystyrene. Their conclusion was that rPET was the superior material in terms of reducing environmental impact. Pete & Gerry’s have since decided to use recycled PET for their packaging. Read their conclusion here.