About 155 metric tons less virgin PET per year: In our PET containers with a capacity of 400 ccm or more, the container body is made of 100% rePET (recycled PET). In this way, we specifically use recycled material and reduce the need for newly produced plastic.
Packaging plays a vital role for spices and herbs: it helps preserve quality, aroma, and freshness. Kotányi processes and packages products in Austria for markets worldwide, serving both households and the industrial, foodservice, and hospitality sectors. It is precisely in these sectors that our PET jars with a capacity of 400 ccm or more play a major role; accordingly, the continuous development of this packaging solution is of great importance to us.
What does rePET mean?
rePET stands for recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This is plastic that has already been used, collected, and processed for reuse. PET is used, among other things, for packaging and—depending on the respective collection and recycling systems – can be recycled and reused as a material.
Why is packaging important for spices?
Spices and herbs have specific requirements: Many products are sensitive to moisture, light, or oxygen. Packaging should therefore protect the quality and product characteristics as reliably as possible. Before implementing new packaging solutions, we conduct material and product tests to evaluate both product protection and quality as well as the packaging properties.
Properties of PET and rePET
• Lightweight: The low weight makes handling easier and allows for more efficient transport compared to heavier packaging types.
• Recyclable: Depending on the collection and recycling system, PET can be recycled and reused as a material. rePET is derived from previously used PET. This reduces the need for virgin PET.
• Durable: PET packaging is impact-resistant and shatterproof, making it well-suited for transport, storage, and everyday use.
• Suitable for food: PET packaging is hygienic and flavor-neutral and meets food safety requirements for product protection.
• Transparent: Transparent packaging allows spices and herbs to be seen even before purchase.
The Switch to rePET at Kotányi
To facilitate this transition, we have adapted our production processes and further developed our existing packaging solutions. The can bodies of all PET cans with a capacity of 400 ccm or more are now made from 100% rePET. This reduces our demand for virgin PET by approximately 155 metric tons per year. Meanwhile, our standards for quality, product protection, and handling remain unchanged.
In this way, we are continuing our efforts to make a contribution to a future worth living.
Further Developing Packaging—Responsibility Throughout the Value Chain
We view sustainability as a continuous process. Packaging is one aspect of our value chain—from the selection of our raw materials through production and logistics—and is therefore also an area of ongoing development for us. In this context, we focus on, among other things:
• Reducing material usage
• Using recycled materials
• Improving recyclability
• Further developing existing packaging solutions
• Evaluating new packaging concepts.
You can find more about our activities and developments in our Sustainability Report.
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