Kraft Heinz introduces first 100% recyclable ketchup cap

Packaging Solutions

The launch by Kraft Heinz Company of its first 100% recyclable cap for its famous squeezy ketchup bottle demonstrates the collaborative achievement utilising the innovative design and manufacturing capabilities of Berry Global in supporting retail brands with a move towards more sustainable packaging solutions.

Historically, Heinz sauce bottles used a flexible silicone valve to deliver a consistent portion of sauce per squeeze, but this was often challenging to recycle. Together with Berry Global, Heinz has now switched to a mono-material cap, manufactured in PP. This means it meets requirements for recyclability.

The project has been eight years, 45 prototypes and more than 185,000 hours in development, to ensure the optimum balance between functionality and sustainability. Berry was involved through the design and production process, from concept to the creation of the series tools in its in-house tool shop, as well as the development of the assembly equipment for industrial production.

Heinz followed a rigorous testing procedure to make sure the cap met the highest quality standards. An extended consumer survey confirmed that the new concept would be well received by the public, as it dispenses the same perfect amount of sauce every time without affecting the squeezability. In fact, the study found that the new cap design helps consumers squeeze more ketchup out of the bottle when it is nearly empty.

The caps are being rolled out UK wide on 400 ml and bigger top down bottles of Heinz Tomato Ketchup. In the future, the cap will also be rolled out across more of the Heinz sauces range in the UK and Europe.

Heinz claims the move to the recyclable cap will save a potential 300 million plastic lids from being sent to landfill every year globally.

Jojo de Noronha, president of Kraft Heinz Northern Europe, said: ‘We know our consumers care about their impact on the environment and so do we, which is why we are delighted to see our innovative, more sustainable caps on Heinz Tomato Ketchup bottles across the UK. Although a small change, this makes it easy for the millions of Heinz lovers across the country to recycle their whole squeezy bottle at once – a small action with big potential for impact.’