Brands join forces to pioneer plant-based packaging

Some of the world's biggest consumer brands have formed a global alliance to push forward the development of bio-plastics packaging in their products.


Coca-Cola, Ford Motors, Heinz, Nike and Procter & Gamble have formed a strategic working group known as the plant PET technology collaborative (PTC). Its remit is to accelerate the development and use of 100% plant-based PET materials and fibre in items such as plastic bottles, footwear and automotive fabric.

The collaborative builds upon the success of Coca-Cola Company’s PlantBottle technology, which is partially made from plants and has demonstrated a lower environmental impact compared to traditional PET plastic bottles.

Currently, Heinz licenses the technology from Coca-Cola for select Heinz ketchup bottles in the US and Canada. By leveraging the research and development efforts of the founding companies, the PTC now aims to take the lead to affect positive change across multiple industries.

Part of the PTC members’ work will look to develop commercially viable solutions for plant-based PET and drive the development of common methodologies and standards for its use including life cycle analyses and universal terminology.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), plant-based PET has the potential to offer a valid and sustainable alternative to fossil fuel derived material.

WWF’s senior program officer of packaging Erin Simon said: “It’s encouraging to see these leading companies use their market influence to reduce dependence on petroleum-based plastics. We hope other companies will follow their lead.”

Maxine Perella

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