Berry Global, Nestlé Purina unveil eco-friendly pet treat canisters made from 100% recycled plastic

USA – Berry Global Group, Inc. has partnered with Nestlé Purina PetCare to launch new, sustainable packaging for Friskies Party Mix 20oz and 30oz cat treat canisters.

The newly redesigned canisters are made from 100% mechanically recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate), excluding the label and lid, and will be widely recyclable across the U.S. starting this summer.

This innovative packaging solution is the result of a close collaboration between both companies’ teams in packaging, material science, quality, and operations.

The project reflects a shared commitment to reducing virgin plastic use and advancing circular economy principles, all while maintaining the high product standards that consumers expect from the Purina brand.

“We believe future generations of people and pets deserve safe and healthy spaces to roam and play,” said Franco Ignelzi, Expert Packaging at Nestlé Purina.

“This project is an important step toward our vision where none of our packaging ends up in a landfill and all materials are recyclable and made with recycled content.”

The canisters are manufactured using post-consumer resin (PCR), which is sourced from curbside recycling streams.

By replacing virgin plastic with PCR, the initiative is expected to eliminate over 500 metric tonnes of virgin plastic annually and result in greenhouse gas savings equivalent to 694 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

Once empty, the canisters can be placed in recycling bins, allowing the plastic to re-enter the supply chain and be used in new products.

Nicole Pawlowski, Senior Strategic Account Director for Consumer Packaging North America at Berry Global, highlighted the strength of the partnership.

“We deeply appreciate the collaboration with Nestlé Purina, which has enabled us to enhance the circularity of this package. It reflects the potential of innovation when like-minded partners unite to eliminate waste and champion sustainable packaging solutions.”

The new canisters are produced at Berry’s SQF-certified manufacturing facilities using food-grade, certified mechanically recycled resin.

Through the use of advanced material science and engineering, Berry and Nestlé Purina have jointly delivered a packaging solution that supports their mutual sustainability goals without compromising product safety or performance.

This new design follows Berry Global’s recognition by the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) for its Versalite cups.

APR Design Recognition provides third-party validation that the Versalite cup design and packaging components meet the highest criteria for recyclability and are compatible with the North American recycling system according to the APR Design Guide for Plastics Recyclability.

Versalite is Berry’s innovative patented technology that offers exceptional insulation for both hot and cold beverages while also prioritizing recyclability.

The Versalite to-go cups are made from fully recyclable polypropylene (PP) and provide superior functionality, durability, and performance, including resistance to punctures and leaks, and are microwave-safe.

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