Seeking Recyclable Closure for Paper Beverage Bottles

As part of our pep+ strategy, PepsiCo has set out to cut usage of virgin plastic from non-renewable sources per serving across our beverage portfolio by 50%. This includes reducing our absolute tonnage of virgin plastic derived from non-renewable sources by 20%. We aim to achieve this is by multiple approaches including the use of market-leading bio-based materials.

One example of PepsiCo’s strategy in this area is the development of a paper bottle for our beverages that is fully recyclable in paper stream.

Key Success Criteria:

The following are requirements for the fiber-based closure:

Must-Have requirements

• Closure can resist breakdown and deterioration from liquids and liquid contact
• Uses only food safe materials (capable of achieving FDA and equivalent regulatory approval)
• Does not negatively impact recycling of package in paper stream
• Must be re-closable and re-sealable (preventing leaking)
• Is dimensionally stable post manufacturing (in a range of temperatures and humidity conditions) to provide seal integrity with the bottle neck finish (Dimensional tolerance range comparable to HDPE closures)
• Does not impact organoleptic or sensory attributes of the bottle contents

Preferred requirements

• FDA food contact approved
• Has oxygen barrier
• Can be manufactured to various standard finish specifications and sizes for beverages, e.g., 28mm, 33mm, 38mm etc.
• Can be manufactured to different closure designs (threaded, snap fit, tethered, tamper evident feature)
• Compatibility with high-speed filling and capping equipment traditionally used in beverage fill plants
• Can be manufactured in a range of colors and textures
• Preferable to complete proof of concept within 6-18 months.

Approaches Not of Interest:

• Multilayered solutions with mixed materials, e.g., liquid carton board
• Purely lignin-based structure

​Preferred collaboration Type:

PepsiCo is open to a range of collaboration types

Resources Available when collaborating with PepsiCo

Access to PepsiCo expertise- Work directly with PepsiCo’s team of scientists and engineers with deep experience in materials science, packaging and bringing new products to market at massive scale.

Funding:Up to $100,000 USD is available for a proof-of-concept, with additional potential funding for further development.