P&G initiates use of recycled packaged bottles

Procter & Gamble through its Fabric Care business plans to overhaul its packaging by using up to 50% ‘Post Consumer Recyclate’ (recycled plastic) for 230 million bottles of its flagship brands such as Ariel, Dash, Lenor and Unstoppables. First P&G bottles using these materials are expected to be on sale in early 2016.

According to the company, the 230 million bottles, which are expected to be produced using PCR, is the equivalent of the distance from the North Pole to the South Pole if all of the bottles were laid end-to-end. The company is calling its global suppliers to accelerate the use of PCR in their packaging.

The amount of incremental recycled material that P&G Fabric Care will use is expected to increase by 3,800 tons/year through this initiative. The company hopes to make 100% of its products and packaging from renewable and recycled materials in the future.

I have to ask my colleagues at Tecnon OrbiChem the volume of recycled PET produced worldwide as well as current prices for these PCRs. From what I’ve heard, PCR prices have been more expensive compared to virgin PET prices because of the low crude oil price environment. Logistics and transportation costs to gather recycled PET materials have to be considered.