Page 43 - Packaging News magazine November-December 2022

The washer allows the reusable glass bottles to be available on the market. Without the ability to wash and reuse them hygienically this sustainable venture wouldn’t be possible.”
– MARK HOLLINGSWORTH, CEO, RHIMA
receives are rewashed, sanitised, and refilled inside its processing facility. Customers are encouraged to wash the bottles and remove the plastic clo- sure and cardboard sleeve (all kerbside recyclable) before returning it via the retailer or farmers’ market where it was initially purchased.
Schulz has implemented an addi- tional element – a $2 refundable deposit per glass container unit. The company says this will ensure it will get many uses out of these glass bottles and it believes that putting a price on the vessel is the best way to do this. Evidence Schulz gathered from over- seas markets showed that a container deposit scheme ensured a bottle was
more frequently returned if a deposit was requested. Schulz hopes that a returnable deposit helps incentivise consumers and retailers to return the bottles.
The company estimates that each bottle will have a lifespan of at least eight refills, although the re-use has in fact been higher than that to date. Schulz’s custom-moulded bottles have the year of manufacture embossed into the glass, which is an indicator of the bottle’s longevity.
The packaging and reusable bot- tles have played a role in supporting Schulz’s circular ambitions, however, it wouldn’t be a viable project without the efficient HACCP-compliant washing
Above: Rhima marketing manager Sarah Vandertop (left) and CEO Mark Hollingsworth with the bottle washer at AUSPACK earlier this year.
system. Nor would the reduction of plastic use be possible. According to Schulz, each glass bottle sold saves approximately 40g of plastic, or 120 kg per week across 3000 bottles.
It’s fair to say the partnership between Schulz and Rhima has led to a reduction in packaging waste, while creating a replicable business model with potential to become an important contributor to the circular economy. ■
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CIRCULAR ECONOMY