Recyclable closure for paper beverage bottles | Materials

Recyclable closure for paper beverage bottles

Background
What we're looking for
What we can offer you
Who we are

Background

As part of our pep+ strategy, PepsiCo has set out to cut usage of virgin plastic from non-renewable sources across our beverage portfolio by 50% per serving. This includes reducing our absolute tonnage of virgin plastic derived from non-renewable sources by 20%. We aim to achieve this 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 the paper stream.

What we're looking for

PepsiCo is seeking technologies for a resealable fiber-based closure for a paper beverage bottle that can be recycled in the paper stream. The technology should be advanced enough that a proof of concept can be completed within 6-18 months. The following are requirements for the fiber-based closure:

Our must-have requirements are:

Recyclable in paper-based packaging stream (see design guidance here: https://www.afandpa.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/AFPADesignGuidanceforRecyclability_FINAL_031621.pdf)
Closure can resist breakdown and deterioration from liquids and liquid contact
Uses only food safe materials (capable of achieving FDA and equivalent regulatory approval)
Must be resealable
Is dimensionally stable post manufacturing (in a range of potential storage temperatures and humidity conditions from 25°F to 160°F at 85% RH)
Provides 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

Our nice-to-have's are:

FDA food contact approved
Demonstrated barrier performance to moisture and oxygen. Target moisture barrier (MVTR) values are 0.006 g/pkg/day (at 23 C and 50% RH) and target oxygen barrier (OTR) values are 0.04 cc/pkg/day (at 23 C and 0% RH).
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 (e.g., up to 1000 containers/min or more)
Can be manufactured in a range of colors and textures

What's out of scope:

Multilayered solutions with mixed materials, e.g., liquid carton board, which cannot be recycled in mixed paper recycling streams.
Plastic-based closures
Purely lignin-based structures

What we can offer you

Benefits: