Option 2 – Reuse and Refill – Sustainable Packaging

The following actions, individually or collectively, will contribute to achieving the outcomes of reducing the environmental impacts of Rigid PET packaging thru the adoption of reuse and refill formats.

Available Courses of Action

Action 1 – Consider Reusable Packaging Solutions

Action 1 – Consider Reusable Packaging Solutions

Reusable packaging provides an innovative approach to reducing the environmental impact of single use packaging. Although logistics and other operational considerations are frequently identified as a key challenge to adopting reusable packaging, the historical acceptance of reusable packaging is driving a resurgence in exploring this sustainable packaging alternative.

The following use case(s) provide examples of where reusable packaging has been demonstrated.

Use Cases

Use Case	Innovation	Application	Release to Market
Coca-Cola FEMSA	Universal returnable PET Bottle	Carbonated and non-carbonated beverage	2018 (Brazil)

Supporting Resources

Useful resources to consider as you explore applying one or more of the above actions to rigid PET packaging include:

General Information

General Guidance on Option 2

Reusable Packaging Guidelines

https://sustainablepackaging.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Guidance-for-Reusable-Packaging.pdf

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Project	Coca-Cola FEMSA
Brand(s)			Packaged Product(s)	Carbonated and non-carbonated beverage
Market(s)		Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, South Africa	Release to Market(s)	2018 (Brazil)
Manufacturer		Coca-Cola FEMSA	Material(s)	Rigid PET bottle
Summary	Reported that Coca-Cola invested $25 million unifying bottle design, $400m expanding reuse infrastructure (cleaning and refilling). Logistics and storage are simplified with a single bottle design across brands, reducing costs and improving efficiency. Returnables outperforming single-use in Germany and parts of Latin America, where reusable bottles represented 27% of transactions in 2020. Returnable solution typically costs less for the consumer. Reported that in 2019, the year after launch, Coca-Cola produced 1.8 billion fewer bottles. Reported 90% less plastic use. Complies with GDR#1 re: colour and labelling to maximize recyclability. Solution replaces single-use plastic bottle, a commonly found litter Compared to single use PET bottles, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 47%. Even with washing factored in, water consumption reduced by 45%. Lower prices and a reward system for returned bottles drives a return rate above 90% and a 15% higher likelihood of repurchase.
References	(2022) Fast Company (2022) Coca-Cola (2020) Packaging Europe Ellen MacArthur Foundation North American manufacturer of refillable PET bottles: Graham Packaging