BOTTLE MAKING 24 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 06/25 www.petpla.net Zelde bottle made from recycled BioPET with no-label option in selected markets Smartweight water bottle launch by Ruari McCallion Italian design consultancy Gentlebrand has announced the commercial launch of Zelda Smartweight Water, a range of bottles designed for mineral waters, made entirely from BioPET and with the option for no-label production where permitted. “Zelda is currently a pilot project, developed and prototyped internally by Gentlebrand, made entirely of 100% BioPET supplied by UPM Biochemicals,” said Luca Baldessin, Innovation and Packaging Expert in Gentlebrand’s sales department. UPM Biochemicals is a Finnish company, headquartered in Helsinki, which specialises in wood-based alternatives to fossil fuel-based glycols and plastics. Its BioPET is composed of 30% bioMEG (monoethylene glycol sourced from plants, rather than fossil fuels) and 70% bioPTA (terepthalic acid, sourced from renewable plant-based resources such as sugarcane or biomass). The components are easily recyclable according to European RecyClass Guidelines and standards. The packaging can be processed after use and transformed into new materials, thus reducing waste and demand for virgin resources. Gentlebrand’s Zelda project uses local, renewable wood for both its bioMEG and bioPTA component materials. Environmental awareness and Circular Economy Zelda Smartweight Water bottles, available in 20 cl, 33 cl, 55 cl and 150 cl, are designed for an increasingly eco-conscious market, with the objective from outset to be lightweight. A 500ml bottle weighs just 10 g, for example. Gentlebrand claims that its Smartweight technology reduces packaging weight while maintaining strength, and optimises environmental impact during production, transport and final disposal. The bioplastic material it is made from is completely recyclable back into food standard bottles, thus offering converters a completely closed-loop, circular economy option for bottle production. The Zelda bottle does not sacrifice visual appeal or performance in practice for the sake of ecological or environmental credentials and nor is it relying on eco features to charge a premium price. “The creative element is integrated with technical expertise to guarantee a bottle that is aligned with the market, in terms of performance and packaging cost and, on the other hand with an eye-catching character that the marketing team can work with to create their message,” said Luca Baldessin. Compatible with existing production machinery Although the bioPET raw material is not from conventional sources, users will not have to invest in new equipment in order to use it. Luca Baldessin, Innovation and Packaging Expert at Gentlebrand
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