HUNGARY – Renowned reusable PET bottle experts Petainer, in collaboration with Hungarian mineral water brand Oonly, have unveiled their inaugural refillable PET (refPET) bottle in the Hungarian market.
Oonly’s strategic move to introduce the first-ever refillable PET bottle within Hungary’s recently instituted Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) marks a transformative development in the country’s beverage landscape.
Anticipating European legislation on reuse set for 2030, Oonly emerges as a trailblazer in refillable PET bottles in Hungary.
Recognizing the significance of aligning with a leader in reusable PET, Oonly partnered with Petainer, known for their “right first time” approach. The resulting refPET bottle, offering 25 reuse cycles, stands as a sustainable solution tailored for the Hungarian market.
Petainer is proud to be the chosen collaborator for Oonly’s groundbreaking initiative in the Hungarian market.
Oonly’s team envisioned a product where packaging’s importance parallels the purity of the spring mineral water they source.
Beyond the demand for quality mineral water, there is a market need for sensible packaging formats in Hungary.
The country grapples with low collection and recycling rates for the 2 billion bottles released annually, an issue that refillable PET addresses.
Evidence from markets like Germany demonstrates the environmental benefits of refillable PET, achieving 97-99% collection rates.
Hungary, progressing with the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme in 2024, will further support bottle collection, including Oonly’s refPET bottle. By embracing reuse, Oonly provides customers with the most sustainable packaging option for beverages.
Michael Joyes, Sustainability Director at Oonly, underscores the brand’s commitment to preserving the exceptional natural mineral water sourced from the foothill of St Martin’s Hill in Pannonhalma.
Oonly’s investment in state-of-the-art equipment at their 50 million capacity bottling plant underscores their dedication to advancing environmentally conscious innovation.
In Hungary, 100% of household mineral water consumption is currently presented in single-use PET bottles. Research indicates a market readiness for eco-conscious innovation, with 18-20% of consumers expressing a preference for health and sustainability factors.
István Polony from Oonly expresses confidence that Oonly’s value proposition, featuring premium quality mineral water packaged in sustainable refPET containers from Petainer, will resonate with an expanding segment of environmentally focused consumers, setting the stage for the emergence of a substantial refPET category in Hungary.
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