Page 29 - Plastics News March 2019

FEATURES

developed to satisfy both the ‘sippers,’ who prefer straws, valued at around $8.4 billion based on a recent report
and the ‘chuggers,’ who want to [guzzle] half the bottle from Fact.MR (Rockville, MD). The Reusable Water Bottles
in a few seconds. Dual-wall insulated bottles and tumblers Market study remains buoyant on the continuing demand
were also developed to keep coffee warm and soda ice- for reusable water bottles, as growing environmental
cold. In just the last couple of years, bottle filling stations concerns are driving consumers as well as end-use
at many locations throughout the U.S. have now made industrial sectors to switch to eco-friendly alternatives
the reusable Tritan-based bottle a great solution while of single-use water bottles.
on-the-go.” Besides faucets found everywhere, formal Trend toward premium, personalized bottles
refill stations appear at places ranging from exhibition
halls to school halls. The report notes that manufacturers in the reusable
water bottles market are finding unique ways to introduce
The growth in refillable bottles
attractive and personalized reusable water bottles that
“While the trend of using reusable bottles for hydration can enhance the users’ experience, and ultimately,
started initially in the U.S., the concept is gaining traction to expand their consumer base worldwide. Although
all over the world, especially in Europe,” says Moncla. growing environmental concern are accelerating sales
“We estimate that more than 70 million hydration bottles of reusable water bottles, their heavy weight, high cost,
made from Eastman Tritancopolyester are sold every and maintenance requirements create major challenges
year globally. Each one of those bottles can save many for the growth of the market. According to the report,
dozens of disposable bottles from being used and thrown metal and glass are costlier than plastic, which is why a
away. Because Tritan bottles are incredibly durable, they majority of manufacturers in the reusable water bottles
will keep saving disposable bottles from the trash heap market are choosing plastic as a primary raw material.
for many years to come. The biggest challenge is for Plus consumers like the lightweight of plastic containers.
consumers to make slight adjustments to their routine to Additionally, concerns over the increase in plastic waste
make this savings a part of their daily schedule. So before has initiated various movements aimed at curtailing its
they head off to the concert or the beach or whatever use, the report notes, as the ongoing war against plastic is
activity, they need to fill up that Tritan bottle and chug exhorting consumers to shift away from single-use plastic
or sip their way to saving money and the environment.” water bottle. Increasing environmental awareness among
consumers is likely to remain the fundamental driver for
The facts speak volumes about the reusable water bottles
market, which is rising 3.1% year-on-year and is currently the growth of the reusable water bottles market.

Klöckner Pentaplast launches on-the-go new Jewel packs

löckner Pentaplast (kp) has launched its latest can easily stack on top of each other and are available
Kfood-to-go packaging range called Jewel. The new in three different depths. Each pack has the option of a
packaging is made from 100% post-consumer PET and click shut lid which can be personalised for the retailer
has been designed in a jewel shape. According to kp, with thermoformed branded messaging by kp or can be
the packs allow for the “clearest optics for full visibility heat sealed with a flexible lidding film, accounting for all
of its contents”. Kp hopes to tap into the lucrative capabilities of retailers that are different sizes.”
food-to-go sector, which is said to be worth over £20bn
by 2022. “In this competitive lunchtime market, time
is of the essence; the key drivers for impactful, ‘guilt-
free’ packaging are Millennials and Gen-Z who have
attention spans of 12 and 8 seconds, respectively and
are extremely environmentally conscious – making eye-
catching design an absolute must to achieve on-shelf
differentiation,” added kp. “Each pack can sit on the
shelf at a clever 45-degree angle with the top in full
view of the consumer. If shelf space is limited, they

29 March 2019 Plastics News