Berlin Packaging and Ecologic Brands collaborate for US' first molded fiber bottle

US-based Berlin Packaging announced on October 18 that it is in collaboration with Ecologic Brands Inc from the same country to market America's first molded fiber bottle, the eco.bottle made from 100% recyclable and compostable shell.

Under this collaboration, Berlin Packaging will supply raw materials to Ecologic Brands for the production of eco.bottle, a hybrid fiber-plastic product that uses up to 70% less plastic than traditional plastic bottles, with a molded fiber shell that is 100% recyclable and compostable.

As stated, the patented container is suited for a wide range of consumer products ranging from pourable goods to beverages, personal care products, and even paints and stains.

The post-use recycling instructions are also new and different than general, the company said. The user first splits open the side of the fiber shell and the outer package separates. The fiber halves, made from old corrugated cardboard and newspapers, can be recycled up to seven more times, while the #4 inner pouch and closure system can be recycled along with plastic grocery bags in retailer drop-off bins.

The eco.bottle line is available in a 50-ounce size with a detergent-style dosing cap or twist cap, a 32-ounce size with a detergent-style dosing cap or twist cap, and a 64-ounce size with a 38mm spout suited for orange juice and dairy products. The containers can be supplied fully assembled or unassembled to the filler. Assembled and filled eco.bottle containers pass rigorous International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) performance testing, the company stressed.

Although the production cost for the eco.bottle is relatively more expensive, Berlin Packaging emphasized that it expects the cost to be comparable of traditional packaging materials over the next 12-18 months as automation and production capacity build. Furthermore, retailers carrying eco.bottle products can create a closed loop system by funneling corrugated cardboard shipping materials from their loading docks back to the bottle manufacturer.

"The eco.bottle is disruptive technology that can re-position brands and bring significant sales lifts," said Cris Genovese, Chief Marketing Officer for Ecologic Brands, Inc. "The minute people see the eco.bottle on the shelf, it makes an immediate and profound connection. It creates value and brand equity at the same time that it helps the earth."

The bottles will be available starting January next year.