Life
What Bottles Don’t Tolerate
Reusable plastic bottles for water are ecologically sensible. But anyone using them for other beverages undermines the entire purpose of the carefully designed reuse system. Water bottles that are used incorrectly are sorted out and discarded. It’s enough to fill them with fruit juices, spritzers, or effervescent tablets.
Industry and consumers are committed to greater sustainability. That includes the reusable system for plastic bottles. These sturdy yet lightweight bottles can be refilled more than twenty times. And because they’re so practical, they’re often used for other purposes in daily life – whether for mixing with supplements or as everyday bottles filled with sweet or refreshing drinks.
Mixing and Refilling – a Clear No-Go for Water Bottles
Nothing should go into a reusable water bottle except what was originally inside: water. Otherwise, the bottles can no longer be used in the reuse system. Inspection systems at the filling facilities detect water bottles that were misused and remove and discard them. The reason: water bottles absorb the smell of other liquids – even ordinary beverages.
If anything other than water is filled in, the taste remains in the bottle and transfers directly into the next refill. The cleaning systems aren’t able to remove these lingering smells. Due to such foreign odors alone, 2% of all reusable bottles are sorted out and discarded.[1] That’s 20,000 bottles for every one million – not exactly a win for the environment.
Like with Like – No Risk to the System
Nothing happens if you refill your water bottle with water – still or sparkling. That keeps the bottle neutral in taste and part of the sustainable reuse system. It’s how enjoyment and environmental protection go hand in hand.
[1] https://www.voeslauer.com/de/produkte/mineralwasser/
Image Source: ALPLA
Image Caption: Sustainability in your hands: Plastic water bottles in reusable systems can be refilled many times – but only if consumers use them correctly, meaning without filling them with other beverages.
Crash Protection: How Plastics Can Save Lives
Plastic is in a class of its own: not only is it lightweight and moldable, it also increases safety. Carbon- and glass-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP/GFRP) absorb impact energy more efficiently than steel or aluminum - by breaking in a controlled manner rather than deforming. The result: better crash protection at significantly lower weight, and a major step forward for lightweight design.
Proven in motorsport, fiber-reinforced plastics are now widely used in lightweight construction - and increasingly in safety-critical production components such as crash boxes, B-pillars, and battery housings.
Dynamic Lightweighting
“Lightweight construction is a key strategy for saving materials and energy in component manufacturing,” says Prof. Dr. Markus Milwich of the Competence Center for Polymers and Fiber Composites at the German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research (DITF), and representative of the Lightweight Construction Alliance Baden-Württemberg. The market is growing rapidly: a study commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy shows that patent applications for plastics and plastic composites in lightweight construction rose by nearly 400% between 2001 and 2021[1]. “In 2019, lightweight construction contributed about 4% to Germany’s GDP and accounted for roughly 3.2 million jobs,” says Prof. Milwich.
High Crash Resistance
In mobility industries, carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are a focal point - especially for safety. CFRP components can absorb up to 100 kJ/kg of specific impact energy, far more than steel’s 20–30 kJ/kg[2]. Instead of collapsing abruptly, the composite material disperses crash energy in a controlled, stepwise manner. Hybrid sandwich structures - featuring a plastic core and fiber-reinforced skins - provide a clear safety advantage for vehicle occupants.
Lower Impact Forces
CFRP is up to 50% lighter than steel[3]. Less weight means less energy during impact - translating to lower injury risk. The Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability (LBF) has developed a 3D sandwich battery housing made from fiber-reinforced plastic that is 40% lighter than aluminum. The design integrates flame protection, complies with ISO 12405-2/-3 safety standards[4], and provides robust protection for electric vehicles - at a fraction of the weight.
More Sustainability
Lower weight also means reduced energy consumption. “Especially for moving masses such as in cars, aircraft, and ships, every gram saved leads to fuel savings over the vehicle’s lifetime,” explains Prof. Milwich. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, reducing a vehicle’s weight by 10% can lower energy consumption by up to 8%[5].
Fiber-reinforced plastics improve efficiency without compromising safety. A further step: thermoplastic matrix systems based on PET, which combine recyclability with the strength of carbon[6]. Plastics are becoming essential materials for high-performance lightweight structures in the mobility systems of the future. Prof. Milwich sums it up: “Thanks to their outstanding energy and resource efficiency, lightweight designs are key to climate protection, sustainability, and conserving raw materials.”
[1] https://www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE
[2] Soutis, C. (2005). Fibre reinforced composites in aircraft construction. Progress in Aerospace Sciences, 41(2), 143–151
[3] https://www.ipa.fraunhofer.de/de/presse/presseinformationen
[4] https://www.lbf.fraunhofer.de/de/projekte
[5] https://www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles
[6] https://2018.lbf-jahresbericht.de/leistungen
Image Source: Plastic is Fantastic – AI-generated using DALL·E
Image Caption: Less weight, less crash energy – lower risk of injury. The illustration shows how fiber-reinforced plastics absorb impact forces in a controlled manner, enhancing vehicle safety.
Carefree on the beach
Summer temperatures will soon be luring people into cool water. If you want to take drinks with you when you go swimming, you should pay attention to safety, especially with glass bottles. Due to the risk of injury from broken glass, many places already have a ban on glass. Lightweight and shatterproof plastic bottles are a safe alternative for quenching your thirst on the go. This is also the opinion of the German Life Saving Association (DLRG).
Caution advised
Especially at bathing lakes or the sea, where people spend most of their time barefoot, bringing along glass bottles poses a high risk: If they break, injuries can quickly occur. “Broken glass leads to accidents time and time again,” reports Martin Holzhause, DLRG spokesperson, in an interview. That's why glass bottles are usually banned on many beaches to prevent the risk of cuts. An important preventative measure for good reasons.
Children and dogs are particularly affected
Broken glass on the ground can cause harm to people because it is often difficult to see in the grass or sand. In addition, the fine and barely visible shards of glass spread over a wide radius, which further increases the risk of injury. Small children are particularly at risk. The DLRG provides first aid in the event of accidents. But it's not just people who are at risk from shards and splinters; the sensitive paws of dogs and cats are also at risk of serious injuries.
Be on the safe side
So, if you want to quench your thirst carefree on the beach, lightweight yet sturdy plastic bottles are a safe and reliable choice. This is also confirmed by DLRG spokesman Martin Holzhause. Those who opt for PET bottles are also making a sustainable choice. Even during production and transportation, plastic bottles save a lot of energy compared to glass due to their low melting point and low weight. And when dis-posed of properly, used PET bottles are easy to recycle. As a result, both feet and paws as well as bathing lakes and the sea are helped.
Interview with DLRG spokesperson Martin Holzhause (MH):
“The risk of a cut comes particularly from glass bottles”
Are drinks in breakable glass bottles really a safety risk at bathing lakes?
MH: Broken glass always leads to accidents. These are of a minor nature, but every cut that spoils the fun of swimming or even ends it prematurely is unnecessary.
Where is broken glass/shards most likely to be found? On the sunbathing lawn, on the shore or even in the water?
MH: That varies. In general, you can expect more broken glass on land. The risk of injury is therefore greater, for example when walking bare-foot or picking up fragments lying around. Shards often end up in the water when bottles are thrown deliberately. The glass sinks to the bot-tom and poses a risk of injury, especially in shallow waters.
If bathers are cut by broken glass, does the DLRG provide wound care?
MH: Yes, the volunteer lifeguards are on duty at over 1,100 open waters during the spring and summer and provide first aid in such cases. Treating cuts is part of their everyday business. Patients are referred to a doctor for further treatment. In the case of deep, heavily bleeding wounds, the emergency services may be called directly.
Assuming proper disposal (garbage can, container, at home) - are un-breakable plastic bottles a safe alternative from your point of view?
MH: Definitely. Glass bottles in particular pose a risk of cuts.
Which safety tips can you give visitors to the lake? Especially with regards to handling glass bottles?
MH: Anyone who prefers to buy drinks in glass bottles should fill them into a plastic bottle before visiting the beach. Glass bottles should al-ways be kept in your bag if possible. If you take the bottles home with you, they should be thrown directly into the nearest garbage can after emptying. Injuries can be avoided by wearing flip-flops or swimming shoes.
Image Source: ALPLA
Image Caption: Using PET bottles, visitors can ensure safety on their next beach trip – paving the way for carefree fun in the water.
A world without plastics? Wrong question!
Images of mountains of plastic waste polarize the discussion about how to solve the problem. It is often demanded that plastics be completely banned. Upon closer inspection, however, it becomes clear: especially when it comes to sustainability, this demand is not sensible.
This text would not have been written in a world without plastics. Written with a plastic PC keyboard, in front of a monitor whose casing is also made of plastic. Admittedly, in a plastic-free world, alternatives might have been found to get this text out: perhaps with a completely metal typewriter from a flea market and a mimeograph machine, also made of metal, bought second-hand. Then the printed pages would have been put into envelopes, addressed, taken to the post office, and sent out. But at this point, personal control over the use of plastics would end. At the post office, the letters would land in a stacking tray made of plastic.
The idea of freeing the world from plastics is a notion often circulated. But it's more than questionable whether the world could simply do without them. Plastics seem indispensable not only in the electronics industry. Also in modern construction, in means of transport, and especially in medicine. Hygiene and infection protection without disposable syringes, single-use gloves, surgical masks, or sterile packaging for bandaging materials are hard to imagine.
There are reasons why plastics are so deeply embedded in so many areas of life. The material can take on many forms: from ultra-thin films to high-strength components for aircraft fuselages. It is lighter than alternative materials with comparable strength, can be molded with relatively low energy input, and is suitable for hygienically enclosing food and making it last longer.
It is worth rethinking the question in the title. Before looking for ways to rid the world of plastic, one should ask whether this is even a meaningful demand. It is not, as the examples mentioned already show. The idea that plastics are a problem is shaped by images of uncontrolled waste from consumer society. It is true that plastic that ends up in the environment remains there for a long time and breaks down into smaller and smaller particles. But it's not the material itself that's the problem - it's the way we deal with it.
Sustainability experts also advise critically questioning alternatives to plastic. Glass instead of PET bottles has specific disadvantages. Glass becomes moldable only at temperatures of at least 1300 degrees Celsius, thus consuming significantly more energy in production than PET, which can be processed at around 260 degrees. The empty weight of a 1.5-liter PET bottle from ALPLA is 33 grams. To transport the same amount of water, you would need two 0.75-liter glass bottles weighing a total of 1,000 grams - about 30 times more. The energy required for transportation is accordingly much higher. For reusable glass bottles, return transport and cleaning also consume energy and water. A PET beverage bottle that is turned into a new beverage container through so-called "bottle-to-bottle" recycling is the more sustainable solution. Even better is a reusable PET bottle.
The seemingly plausible argument that paper bags are more environmentally friendly than plastic bags also does not hold up under scrutiny. From raw material extraction - in the case of paper, that’s wood - through manufacturing, transportation, and disposal, paper as a packaging material is not more sustainable. On the contrary: a paper bag would have to be reused three to four times to match the environmental footprint of a plastic bag. A cotton tote bag would even need to be used at least 130 times to be a truly viable alternative.
Packaging accounts for about one-third of all plastics produced worldwide. Much of it is single-use and disposed of directly after use. Experts recommend reducing the number and variety of materials used and making recycling systems mandatory. For PET, a functioning value chain is already established in many countries.
When PET bottles have reached the end of their use as packaging, they can still be employed in many industrial areas, such as textile manufacturing, as secondary raw material. If plastics are incinerated for energy at the end of their life cycle, the problem of uncontrolled waste in the environment does not arise in the first place. When used sustainably, plastics are the best solution for many of the challenges of the modern world. A world without plastic will, for good reasons, remain a utopia.
Image Source: ALPLA
Image Caption: Plastic makes everyday life easier: Plastic packaging is lightweight, hygienic, and keeps food fresh.
Well-equipped on the road
Whether you're heading off on a long-distance trip or a short getaway – if you’re traveling by car, chances are you're not just packing luggage but also snacks and drinks, especially when traveling with children. One important safety tip: glass bottles, which can shatter easily in an accident, should always be stored carefully inside the vehicle. Or better yet, opt for plastic bottles – the ADAC (German Automobile Club) recommends this too.
When it comes to safety, we often think of brakes, tires, and lights first, or check for a high-visibility vest, warning triangle, and first-aid kit. And of course, everyone buckles up before departure. But we often overlook the cargo in the car's interior. Loose items can quickly become dangerous projectiles during sudden braking or evasive maneuvers.
High impact, high risk
The danger lies in physics[1]: in the event of a sudden stop or head-on collision at 50 km/h unsecured objects can hit with up to 50 times their original weight. Even at lower speeds, the force is considerable. Fragile items like glass bottles can pose a serious risk of injury – when they shatter on impact, sharp shards may become dangerous flying objects.
Be cautious with glass, prefer plastic
The ADAC conducted a crash test to demonstrate the dangers of unsecured items and offers practical advice[2]: avoid placing fragile objects openly in the car’s cabin. ADAC spokesperson Michael Gebhardt explains: "The risk of glass bottles breaking in a crash and causing injury from the shards is definitely there. If bottles are carried in closed bags, the risk can be greatly reduced. Alternatively, using plastic bottles is a safer option."
Conclusion
When packing your car, and especially when placing items in the cabin, be extra careful. Secure loose objects properly and – for drinks on the go – plastic bottles are the safest bet. That way, you're ready to enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
[1] Force = Mass × Acceleration (F = m × a)
[2] https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/ladungssicherung/ladung-sichern/
Image Source: ALPLA
Image Caption: Always stable and safe: Plastic bottles are a shatterproof option for drinks on the go. In general, luggage in the car should be stored securely. Sharp and fragile objects in particular can pose a risk of injury to passengers during sudden braking or accidents.
Juicy but safe: for a safe family BBQ
Fun and attention are the guiding principles at barbecues. Because besides the fun there are dangers lurking - not just around an open fire. Caution is also required with drinks, especially if they are in glass bottles. If they break, the shards can quickly lead to cuts. Children and dogs are particularly affected, even wild animals, says a forester.
Whether in your own garden, on a meadow or at public barbecue areas in the forest: you don't want to be left high and dry at a picnic or with a sizzling barbecue. It is only natural to reach for a thirst quencher - but be careful if the bottle is made of glass.
Don't underestimate the risk of breakage
Glass bottles break easily, especially when things get hot. Shards and splinters, which pose a potential risk of injury, are often found in playgrounds and barbecue areas. Experts therefore advise careful handling, such as Kathrin Klein from the Schönbuch forest district near Stuttgart, which is part of the Baden-Württemberg state forest. "It's best to store glass bottles somewhere or securely place them on the ground. If a bottle does break, the broken glass should be completely collected," recommends the forester. In addition, she advises "before using the playground equipment in residential areas, check the area briefly for sharp objects, especially the fall protection, and don't necessarily walk barefoot."
Consider wildlife protection and the risk of forest fires
Not only humans and accompanying dogs can get cut by broken glass, natural forest dwellers are equally at risk. Kathrin Klein: "Of course, wild animals can also injure themselves on the shards, especially if the glass shards have the smell of something edible on them.
In hot summers, glass bottles and shards pose another danger: forest fires. To avoid possible ignition sources due to the burning glass effect, for example, the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of the Interior in 2023 urged walkers and hikers to take and dispose of "small arsonists" like bottles or glass shards from the forest.[1] Fortunately, there has been no forest fire caused by a glass shard in her forest district, forester Klein emphasizes: "But it is conceivable and cannot be ruled out with certainty in the future."
Use drinks in plastic as a stable alternative
PET plastic bottles are not only lightweight, but also extremely robust and do not break. Their use therefore eliminates the risk of injury - which is particularly important when children or pets are nearby. Forester Klein also confirms this: "There is certainly no risk of injury from shatterproof plastic bottles."
Attentive behavior includes not leaving any garbage behind or disposing of it properly. The barbecue areas and playgrounds are visited twice a week during the summer months. Then the full garbage cans are emptied, and "wild garbage" is collected, says Kathrin Klein. The playground equipment and fall protection are also checked for sharp objects, such as broken glass. "If shards are discovered, they will of course be collected," assures the forester. In total, around 30 tons of waste are disposed of in the state forest around Stuttgart every year. Nevertheless, a personal sense of responsibility is important. And plastic waste in particular can be easily recycled. Kathrin Klein: "That's why we appeal to people to simply dispose of plastic bottles and packaging waste at home. It's also good for the forest." And for those who would like to enjoy their family BBQ there carefree.
[1] https://im.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/service/presse-und-oeffentlichkeitsarbeit/pressemitteilung/pid/erhoehte-waldbrandgefahr
Image Source: ALPLA
Image Caption: Danger to humans, animals, and the environment: shards of broken glass bottles can seriously injure feet and paws and cause forest fires in hot summers due to the burning glass effect.
Danger in the gym: what you should definitely watch out for
Over half a liter of fluid and important electrolytes can be lost per hour during physical exertion. The German Sports Academy therefore recommends drinking mineralized water or juice spritzers. Preferably from unbreakable bottles - they prevent the risk of injury, which is why it cannot be forbidden to take them into the gym.
Fitness centers usually offer in-house drinks to quench your thirst during training. However, if you don't want to buy refreshments at the gym, you can also bring your own to hydrate yourself. However, not every drinks packaging is suitable - and permitted.
Own drinks yes, but not from glass bottles
Owners of sports studios are not allowed to completely ban people from bringing their own drinks, “as hydration is essential for sports enthusiasts”, according to JuraForum, an online legal portal. However, it goes on to say: “A ban regulated in the contract may, however, be directed at certain containers if they could pose a risk of injury. This can usually be assumed for glass bottles[1].” The statements are based on various court rulings.
For good reason. “When glass bottles break, there is a risk of cuts from the resulting shards,” confirms David Klinkhammer, tutor and lecturer at the German Sports Academy. And emphasizes: “Especially in areas where barefoot walking or floor exercises are carried out, this can pose a considerable danger.” This risk does not exist with unbreakable plastic flaps.
Sturdy plastic bottles as a safe alternative
David Klinkhammer also believes that thirst quenchers in plastic bottles are a reliable choice: “Yes, definitely. From a sustainability perspective, a leak-proof, recyclable plastic bottle would be the best solution.” And he advises: “For safety reasons, don't leave the bottle on the training area during training. Instead use the built-in storage trays on equipment or tables.”
Commercially available PET plastic bottles, for example, are suitable for carrying your own drinks - they are robust and can be easily recycled after use. They also require less energy to produce and transport than glass bottles due to their low melting point and low weight.
Ideal for the gym
The plastic bottles are best “filled with sufficient mineralized water or juice spritzers - at least 0.5 liters per hour”, says the lecturer at the German Sports Academy. Fluid deficits of just 2 to 4 percent of body weight impair endurance, strength and cognitive performance, reports the German Nutrition Society (DGE) in its position paper “Fluid management in sport”.
“It is therefore crucial to compensate for the loss of fluids through continuous intake,” says Klinkhammer. In addition to water, valuable electrolytes are also lost. They are essential and must therefore be provided separately. Klinkhammer adds: “In addition, the intake of carbohydrates in liquid form can serve as an energy source.” So, if you want to stay fit, make sure you drink plenty of fluids when working out in the gym, preferably from safe plastic bottles.
[1] https://www.juraforum.de/news/eigene-getraenke-im-fitnessstudio_247305
Image Source: ALPLA
Image Caption: Hydration for fitness: The intake of water and electrolytes is essential during training. Ideally from plastic bottles - they are light and won't break, which is why they can also be used in the gym.
Get to your destination safely - with the right bottle
When going on excursions, tours and trips by bike, the need for drinks is often underestimated. According to the Baden-Württemberg regional association of the German Cyclists Association (Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club e.V. or ADFC), the body needs fluids after just half an hour's ride. Preferably from light and sturdy plastic bottles. According to the ADFC, glass bottles pose various dangers when cycling.
There are around 84 million bicycles in Germany[1], i.e. one per inhabitant, and the trend is rising. The bicycle is the second most popular means of transportation after the car[2], and bikes are also popular for vacations: in 2023, 3.6 million people in Germany took a bike trip with at least three overnight stays[3]. For reasons of space, luggage must be well chosen for a trip by bike.
"Refuel" after just 30 minutes, according to the ADFC
Above all, "you should carry enough drinks with you on your ride so that your body's fluid balance can be replenished again and again", advises Tobias Husung, press spokesman for the ADFC Baden-Württemberg regional association. "Hydration is essential on every bike tour". The ADFC spokesman continues: "Cycling is an endurance sport and the body loses large amounts of fluid through sweating. The body should therefore be supplied with fluids from the outside after just half an hour of cycling." On hot summer days, you should even drink up to a quarter of a liter of fluid every 15 to 30 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty.
It's better to avoid drinks in glass bottles
"Glass bottles create various hazards when riding a bike," says Tobias Husung and explains: "They can break if you fall and cause serious injuries. They can also break when riding on the road and endanger fellow cyclists or other road users with shards." The danger also exists, for example, when cycling to the quarry pond. "Broken glass always leads to accidents," reports Martin Holzhause, spokesman for the German Life Saving Association (DLRG). Or in the forest. Kathrin Klein, a forester from the Schönbuch forest district near Stuttgart, which is part of the Baden-Württemberg state forest, explains: "Of course, wild animals can also injure themselves on the shards, especially if the glass shards have the smell of something edible on them.
Plastic bottles are the means of choice
Tobias Husung recommends: "Plastic bottles are a good alternative for transporting drinks on the bike. They can be easily carried in a drinks holder, in a basket or in a rucksack." You don't have to buy the right bottles for every cup holder; there are now also designs in which standard 1.5-liter PET bottles can be carried safely. Martin Holzhause from the DLRG also believes that plastic bottles are the right drinks packaging for on the go: "Absolutely. Glass bottles in particular pose a risk of cuts."
Those who opt for unbreakable plastic bottles are also making a sustainable choice. This is because plastic bottles save a lot of energy during production and transportation due to their low melting point and low weight compared to glass. And if disposed of properly, used PET bottles are easy to recycle. So with plastic bottles, there's no shortage of thirst and body or broken glass.
[1] https://de.statista.com/statistik//fahrradbestand-in-deutschland/
[2] https://de.statista.com/infografik/9162/nutzung-von-verkehrsmitteln-in-deutschland/
[3] https://de.statista.com/statistik/daten/studie/radreisende-in-deutschland/
Image Source: ALPLA
Image Caption: Lightweight, unbreakable and recyclable after use: PET bottles are ideal for keeping hydrated on bike tours. Tobias Husung, press spokesman for the Baden-Württemberg regional association of the Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club e.V. (ADFC), agrees: “Plastic bottles are a good alternative for transporting drinks on your bike.”
With PET: enjoying wine has never been so lightweight
Plastic bottles are best known for mineral water and juices because they are light and practical. The world's leading packaging specialist Alpla is now bringing this advantage to the supermarket shelves - for wine. The new 0.75-liter PET bottle weighs just 50 grams and looks like a traditional glass wine bottle. But it's not just the light weight and elegant appearance that make the PET bottle so interesting. It doesn't break, saves CO2 and can be completely recycled.
Until now, plastic bottles of this kind have rarely been found in everyday life, except for “the small PET wine bottles on airplanes to save weight,” says Daniel Lehner, Global Sales Director Food & Beverage at Alpla. It is properties like these that the packaging manufacturer is now making accessible to a broad market with the PET wine bottle - in a classically elegant look.
No volcano required and 45 Eifel towers lighter
The innovative plastic bottle makes a huge difference: the PET version weighs just a tenth of the 500-gram glass wine bottle. If it is used, the packaging weight is reduced by 90 percent. With around one billion wine bottles produced in Germany every year[1], this means that, in purely mathematical terms, there would be around 450,000 tons less on the scales, i.e. around 11,250 fully loaded trucks[2] or around 45 Eiffel Towers[3]. The lower weight brings immense savings in transportation and storage. In addition, the bottle does not break.
Furthermore, glass requires a temperature of around 1,600 degrees Celsius during production - more heat than in a volcano, including high energy consumption and emissions. PET bottles, on the other hand, can be shaped at around 260 degrees Celsius, which reduces the amount of heat required and the release of greenhouse gases.
Only half the CO2 and easy handling
The PET bottle scores particularly well in terms of sustainability, says Daniel Lehner from Alpla: “The bottle is fully recyclable and can be produced with up to 100 percent recycled material (rPET).” He calculates what this means: “Depending on the amount of recycled material used, the CO2 savings can be up to 50 percent.” He adds: “Even without using recyclate, the PET bottle already reduces CO2 by 38% compared to the glass bottle.” This significantly improves the carbon footprint.
In addition to its traditional look, the PET bottle has a metal cap, as is familiar from glass bottles. The new plastic bottle is particularly interesting for ecologically-minded buyers and consumers who want to consume the wine immediately after purchase. In retail, the plastic bottle is particularly suitable for quick turnover. The reason being the full aroma of the wine is guaranteed to be retained for around six months, after which there may be slight degradation effects due to oxygen migration. Packaging manufacturer Alpla has deliberately dispensed with the use of a barrier layer due to the ecological added value of the bottle's complete recyclability.
The PET wine bottle offers a modern enjoyment experience, in line with both sustainable and urban-mobile lifestyles. In addition, the lightweight and shatterproof beverage packaging makes it possible to enjoy wine in places where glass bottles are impractical or prohibited for weight or safety reasons, such as on the beach or at events.
[1] destatis.de
[2] Reference size: 40-ton truck
[3] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eiffelturm
Image Source: ALPLA
Image Caption: The new 0.75-liter PET bottle from Alpla weighs just 50 grams - and has the look of a classic glass wine bottle.
