Our Commitment to Sustainability
Recycling
Here at Puraz, we care deeply about health, and that includes the health of the planet! Obviously, packaging is something we can’t do without, so we’ve done our research and settled on an approach that is ecologically sound, while also being product safe.
The Circular Economy
The outcome of our research was an understanding of the importance of the circular economy as a long-term sustainability goal. As far as possible, the best solution is to use foodsafe packaging that can be completely recycled by the most energy efficient means. Choosing this approach addresses the two main issues with sustainability: preservation of scarce resources and energy required to recycle. The materials that currently best meet these criteria are PET and HDPE plastic, which all our bottles, jars and lids are now constructed from. These materials can be repeatedly recycled back into usable product.
Isn’t Glass Better than Plastic?
Surprisingly, the answer is NO. Due to the energy intensive process of producing and recycling glass, it only works out better for the environment if the same glass jar is reused at least eight times over a period of years (say, in the days where you returned your milk bottles for refilling).
A 2020 study looking at the impact of plastic vs. glass milk bottles concluded that:
“Glass is the worst packaging option because of high energy demand in the bottle production and its weight and in the transport phase.”
That having been said, making plastic a better option depends on effective recycling, and for this..
We need YOU
The current situation with all of our jars and bottles is that the plastic container is recyclable while the label is not. The lids are technically recyclable, however most councils don’t take them due to their shape and weight confusing the automatic sorting systems.
Therefore, for now, the lids go in the red bin and it is up to you whether to remove the label or not. Most of our labels wash off easily when rinsed under the tap (label into the red bin after that).
Then put your bottle or jar in the yellow bin, and feel great about yourself for doing your bit.
Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Rest assured that this isn’t the final word on sustainability for us! There is continuous innovation in this area, and when we find something even better, we will do better. Watch this space.
Reference:
The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment volume 26, pages767–784 (2021)