Vilsa claims German beverage sector first with the sustainable Nix-Pack
Vilsa-Brunnen says it is redefining sustainability with the launch of the Vilsa Nix-Pack, which is a modern take on the traditional six-pack.
One of the leading German mineral water springs, is the first German beverage manufacturer to replace the shrink wrap on all of its disposable bottles with adhesive dots.
The move makes Vilsa the first German mineral water spring to completely replace conventional shrink film with adhesive dots and take a significant step towards a more environmentally friendly and resource-saving packaging solution.
Using the technology means the bottles in a six-pack are no longer held together by plastic film, but by very strong adhesive dots. Vilsa has replaced the previous plastic handle with a handle made of recyclable cardboard. The combination of adhesive dots and cardboard carrier makes the Vilsa Nix-Pack a very sustainable solution for Vilsa rPET disposable bottles. All disposable bottles for Vilsa products are made of recycled PET.
“With the VilsaA Nix-Pack we are setting another milestone in our sustainable corporate strategy. We want to offer our customers an environmentally friendly alternative that combines the highest quality and innovation. The decision to do without film is a clear commitment to more resource conservation and a clean future,” says Hans-Dietrich Kühl, chairman of the management board of Vilsa-Brunnen Otto Rodekohr.
With the introduction of the new packaging, Vilsa is significantly reducing its plastic consumption: Tthe company saves around 2,000 kilometres of shrink film per year, and the total plastic savings amount to 50 tonnes per year.
Henning Rodekohr, managing partner of Vilsa-Brunnen Otto Rodekohr said the constant investment in new machines and technologies improves the carbon footprint of the disposable range and are means the company is living out its #ProtectingTomorrowToday mission statement.
“Compared to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with shrink wrap, we achieve a reduction in CO₂ emissions of between 40 – 70%,” Rodekohr added. “This depends on the bottle size and varies. Specifically, for example, with the 1-litre Nix-Pack we save 62.5% CO₂ emissions. Replacing shrink wrap is an important step in terms of the immediately visible waste avoidance in retail – who hasn’t seen a torn-looking disposable shelf?! The introduction of the Vilsa Nix-Pack is the next logical step in a series of innovations that we have brought to market in recent years.”
The new, certified cardboard carrier is robust enough to safely transport a 1.5-litre six-pack. The 100% recyclable cardboard carrier offers convenience and resistance to everyday conditions such as heat, cold and moisture. The adhesive dots that now hold the bottles together are resistant to environmental influences. In addition, they do not have to be disposed of separately before the bottles are returned and have no impact on the recycling process.
A nationwide launch in retail will take place from May.
