In line with Danone’s carbon and packaging recycling commitments, Actimel is removing the plastic labels around its iconic small bottles. The new packaging reduces the use of plastic and improves the recyclability of the packaging. In addition, Actimel launched a large 645 g bottle in September with a relatively lower amount of plastic than the small individual bottles.
100% recyclable packaging
Actimel bottles were already recyclable when correctly sorted into the blue bag. However, the label around them presented a problem in terms of bottle detectability. By removing these labels, Actimel is able to reduce the quantity of plastic introduced onto the market while improving the recycling potential of its product range.
This initiative is part of a series of projects aimed at strengthening the brand’s sustainable development strategy: it will lead to reductions of 22 tons of plastic and 159 tons of CO2 per year in Belgium alone. This means 4.47% less plastic in each Actimel bottle. Since its launch in 1994, Actimel has already reduced the amount of plastic used in its iconic small bottle by 40%.
A commitment to the circular economy
The project has been developed by Actimel in the context of Danone Belux’s ambition to reduce the environmental impact of its packaging by cutting down on the packaging put onto the market, integrating recycled material and using eco-friendly design to improve the portfolio’s recyclability. This strategy includes recent developments such as this label-free packaging for Actimel, the new transparent bottles for Badoit and the increasing incorporation of rPET into water bottles. Today, 82% of Danone’s packaging materials in Belgium are recyclable. Since September, consumers of the brand have also been able to buy their Actimel in a 645 g bottle, representing a plastic saving of 17% compared to the same quantity of Actimel in small bottles.
It’s an inspiring example of how businesses can have a positive impact by rethinking their packaging.
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