Plastipak and Kraft Heinz partner to produce 100% rPET containers

May 13, 2024

Each and every associate at our 60 facilities around the globe plays a role in helping Plastipak create our innovative and environmentally conscious packaging. But their work goes far beyond just the product. 

We start every project with a people-first approach that benefits both our associates and the communities in which they live and work. We’ve also committed to ensuring safe, fair, and equitable conditions for all. Here are just a few ways we’ve been leaning into our corporate social responsibility philosophy at home and around the globe.

Plymouth, MI (May 13, 2024) – Plastipak Packaging, Inc. (“Plastipak”), a global leader in the design, manufacture, and recycling of plastic containers, announce they’ve partnered with Kraft Heinz to transition KRAFT® Real Mayo and MIRACLE WHIP® containers to be made entirely from recycled PET (rPET) material.

At Plastipak, we recognize the infinite possibilities of plastic and collaborate closely with our customers to understand their needs. By working together, we’re helping Kraft Heinz move toward its goal of reducing the use of virgin plastic in its global packaging portfolio by 20% by 2030.

In the United States, KRAFT® Real Mayo and MIRACLE WHIP® containers are in the process of being converted to 100% food grade rPET material, which will result in the elimination of about 14 million pounds of virgin plastic, reducing the overall carbon emissions of the packaging.

“We are investing in innovative technologies and partnerships that are critical to helping us redesign packaging, eliminate unnecessary plastic, increase our use of recycled content, and influence the adoption of reuse models,” said Rashida La Lande, General Counsel & Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer at Kraft Heinz. “This is one more way we’re renovating our product portfolio to not only offer more sustainable options, but to deliver on our consumer expectations.”

Jack Pacente, Vice President of Global Sustainability at Plastipak, emphasized that “for decades, our passion for the environment has been at the heart of everything we do. It’s led us to be an industry leader in recycling, as well as a pioneer in responsible packaging design and low-carbon production.”

In 2023, through our Bottle-to-Bottle program, we recycled over 11 billion bottles, increasing our recycling capacity by over 15% for a total of 495 million lbs. Plastipak’s commitment to continually increase our recycling capacity is reflected in the substantial investments we are making in our recycling processes and facilities. Plastipak operates five global recycling centers in Dundee, MI; Toledo, Spain; Hemswell, UK; Bascharage, Luxembourg; and Beaune, France.

In the United States, KRAFT® Real Mayo and MIRACLE WHIP® containers are in the process of being converted to 100% food grade rPET material, which will result in the elimination of about 14 million pounds of virgin plastic, reducing the overall carbon emissions of the packaging.

“We are investing in innovative technologies and partnerships that are critical to helping us redesign packaging, eliminate unnecessary plastic, increase our use of recycled content, and influence the adoption of reuse models,” said Rashida La Lande, General Counsel & Chief Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer at Kraft Heinz. “This is one more way we’re renovating our product portfolio to not only offer more sustainable options, but to deliver on our consumer expectations.”

Jack Pacente, Vice President of Global Sustainability at Plastipak, emphasized that “for decades, our passion for the environment has been at the heart of everything we do. It’s led us to be an industry leader in recycling, as well as a pioneer in responsible packaging design and low-carbon production.”

In 2023, through our Bottle-to-Bottle program, we recycled over 11 billion bottles, increasing our recycling capacity by over 15% for a total of 495 million lbs. Plastipak’s commitment to continually increase our recycling capacity is reflected in the substantial investments we are making in our recycling processes and facilities. Plastipak operates five global recycling centers in Dundee, MI; Toledo, Spain; Hemswell, UK; Bascharage, Luxembourg; and Beaune, France.

About Plastipak Packaging, Inc.

Plastipak Packaging, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Plastipak Holdings, Inc., is a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality, rigid plastic containers for the food, beverage, and consumer products industries. Plastipak is also a leading recycler of rigid plastic packaging, producing food-grade post-consumer recycled resin for inclusion in new packaging. Plastipak operates more than 40 sites in the United States, South America and Europe, with a total of over 6,500 employees. Its customers include some of the world’s most respected and recognized consumer brands. Plastipak is also a leading innovator in the packaging industry, holding more than 420 United States patents for its state-of-the-art package designs and manufacturing processes. In addition, Plastipak licenses various packaging technologies around the world. Plastipak was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan. Additional information about Plastipak can be found at www.plastipak.com.

Statements in this press release concerning Plastipak’s intentions, expectations or predictions about future results or events are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect management’s current expectations or beliefs, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to vary from stated expectations, which variations could be material and adverse. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the time made, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update any such statements.