Recycling and Sustainability

Research shows that post-consumer recycled PET (rPET) is more sustainable than both compostable packaging materials and virgin PET. We have been using recycled bottles in our manufacturing since 2008, and are now actively pursuing even more recycled thermoformed PET in our products.

In the beginning of 2020, we acquired our own recycling and reclaiming facility, Direct Pack Recycling (read more). With capacity to recycle 20,000 tons of PET plastic, it allows us to move closer to a full circle manufacturing process. We’ve built personal relationships with North American MRFs (material recovery facilities) to source bales of post-consumer recycled PET bottles and mixed PET thermoformed containers.

We are already working closely with a number of customers on recovering their used PET packaging and including it (along with other thermoforms) in the production of their new containers.

As consumers are already putting these containers in the recycling bin, it’s a great opportunity to close the loop and avoid using new material. Our customers’ PET packaging is not garbage, but a valuable infinite resource.

All kinds of #1 PET packaging can be recycled just like PET soda and water bottles. We created a video to explain the process – watch it here! We need your help to make sure even more PET packaging and bottles are recycled.

Please recycle your BOTTLEBOX®, as well as other PET food packaging and bottles*, so we can keep them in the loop and turn them into new products.

*Note about recycling of black containers: Unfortunately, black bases are not recognized by optical sorters in the recycling facilities, and thus not recovered. If you want to be sure you can recycle your container, please use clear or any other color than black.