MATERIAL & RECYCLING GUIDE
UNDERSTAND OUR PACKAGING BETTER & DISPOSE OF IT CORRECTLY
REFILL POUCH
Our refill bags consist of 100% Monomaterial. But what exactly is monomaterial and what advantages does it have over other packaging?
The material: Monomaterial means that the packaging is made from a single material. In the case of our refill pouches, this is PE, a high-quality polymer (plastic). Unlike composite films (e.g., "classic plastic packaging" made of PET/PE), no layers need to be separated. This increases the likelihood that the Doypack will actually remain in the recycling loop instead of being incinerated. Many Doypacks (our refill pouches) also have an EVOH layer (up to 5% is usually permitted for recycling, but complicates the process). Our pouches do not have an EVOH layer and are therefore made from a single material (100%). Our labels are also made of PE film and can therefore remain on the pouch and be recycled together.
Recycling: In Austria, our refill pouches can be recycled via the yellow bin (apartment buildings) or yellow bag (houses). The technology has advanced to the point where the pouches can be fully recycled. However, our research has shown that the actual recycling success unfortunately varies from municipality to municipality.
BOTTLE
Our hand and body wash bottles are made of 100% rPET out of Post-consumer (PCR) Sources and originate from EFSA-approved recycling processes.
The material:
- rPET stands for recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a plastic most commonly known from supermarket beverage bottles.
- PCR stands for Post Consumer Recycled. This means that the recycled content the material comes from PET that has already been used by end consumers (for example, from used beverage bottles). Not every rPET is based on PCR material. post-industrial waste recycled from production.
PET is collected and recycled relatively well in Europe. To ensure that this cycle makes a real contribution to resource conservation, we consciously focus on rPET from PCR sources, in order to give previously used material a second life cycle.
Transparency: Our pump dispenser is made of PP and, like all conventional pump heads (including those used in glass packaging), contains a small metal spring. Unfortunately, this currently makes it a minor weak point in the sustainable packaging. For reasons of leak-proofness, hygiene, and reliable function, there are currently very few market-ready alternatives to classic pump systems. If you know of a more sustainable solution or can recommend a manufacturer, please feel free to contact us. office@rethinkminimal.com
Recycling: WWe recommend that you reuse your bottle for as long as possible; this is the most sustainable option. If the bottles eventually become unusable, In Austria, the bottles can be recycled via the yellow bin (apartment buildings) or yellow bag (houses). Since the bottle (rPET PCR) and pump head (PP) are made of different materials, please unscrew the pump head and dispose of both components separately via the yellow bag/yellow bin.
