Berry Global and Bio-D launch 100 percent PCR bottles

Evansville, Indiana-based Berry Global has created a range of reusable bottles made entirely out of postconsumer recycled plastic (PCR) for The Bio-D Co., Hull, United Kingdom, a cleaning company with an ethical and environmental focus. The bottles will be available in 25-ounce, 33-ounce and 1.3-gallon options for Bio-D’s liquid products, including laundry detergent, fabric conditioner, dishwasher rinse aid, dish soap and home and garden cleaner. 

Bio-D aims to produce cleaning products that offer naturally derived alternatives to toxic chemicals for safe and efficient cleaning that does not harm people or the environment, the company says.  

The new PCR bottles can be refilled multiple times at more than 300 refill stores across the country, and end-of-life bottles can now be recycled. Bio-D has calculated that the CO2 emissions saved by using 100 percent-PCR bottles compared with virgin plastic amount to 14.3 tons annually.  

“Our customers are naturally very sustainability conscious, so it is vital that our packaging represents the same ethos,” Heather Nixon, Bio-D sustainability manager, says. “Reusable bottles made completely from PCR offer a more sustainable solution than alternatives such as pouches. Berry has worked hard to ensure that the bottle is tough and long-lasting while also offering convenience and ease of use for the consumer to deliver a solution that is fit for purpose while fully complementing our brand values.” 

The bottles are blow molded in 100 percent-PCR HDPE and incorporate an embossed Bio-D logo. The design for the 33-ounce laundry detergent and fabric conditioner bottles also features a handle for safe carrying and controlled pouring.  

Bio-D claims Berry’s technical and design expertise was critical to the successful production of the bottle. 

“While we have been using recycled material in our containers for many years, the requirements for the Bio-D bottle set us additional challenges that required new material technology and processing requirements and an extensive new test regime,” explains Sally Halliwell, sales development manager at Berry Global. “We are delighted to have partnered with Bio-D in a project that has enabled us to further refine and perfect our processes and which will inform the ongoing development of other products within the Berry BMS portfolio.” 

“This project also demonstrates why collaboration is so critical to supporting a circular economy,” Halliwell continues. “Our team is passionate about pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with recycled plastics. Working closely with Bio-D, we have been able to deliver more together and show how recycled plastics can play a vital role in the development of packaging solutions that are both practical and sustainable.” 

As part of the development process, Berry was able to call on the processing experience of Berry Circular Polymers, the company’s specialty recycling business. The closure for the bottle is produced by Berry Norwich, providing Bio-D with a complete single-source bottle and closure solution, Berry says.  

“As a B Corp. certified business, which confirms that we meet the highest standards of social and environmental impact, it is vital that our packaging contributes towards making our products environmentally responsible,” Nixon says. “We have worked with Berry over a number of years, and the company has always delivered excellent quality and service. Consumers love these bottles because they know each one has been manufactured from waste plastic and can be used time and time again.”