Packaging company Gentlebrand revealed the Aroma beverage bottle concept that features an organic paper label attached to the neck of the bottle without adhesive for easier separation and recycling, and contains seeds that match the flavour of the beverage. Bottle labels present an issue, as they are not always separated and contaminate recycling streams due to the inks, glues, and materials they are made of.
According to Gentlebrand, the Aroma bottle features a label made of organic paper that contains the seeds of the aromatic plants that are used in the beverage inside. The company claims that this, combined with a choice of printing inks of vegetable origin, makes the label plantable.
The label, which is attached to the neck of the bottle without the need for glue, has a different positioning and different material composition, made to alert the consumer that it is a separate element from the bottle, which can be easily pulled off, encouraging disposal in the correct recycling streams.
Gentlebrand states that the label’s size is enough to provide its customers the space for information required by law, as well as marketing messages. In collaboration with Gentlebrand’s partner, Competek, the bottle itself can also be customised with embossed decorations or writing.
The company adds that the bottle is made of 100% recycled clear PET and is also itself recyclable. The concept, was developed with ease of recycling for the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry in mind. Still, developing a bottle design that focuses on recyclability and circularity completely across its body, lid and label remains a challenge for the industry.
Earlier this October, the Coca-Cola Company unveiled a prototype of its 100% plant-based (bPET) bottle, although its label and lid do not yet contain exclusively renewable, plant-based materials. Last year, Danone-owned Evian launched a 100% recycled PET bottle (excluding the lid) that uses engraving technology on the body to replace the label, claiming it to be fully recyclable.
