vida e caffè’s new water bottles now feature fully recyclable labels, succeeding in retaining maximum value of its used PET bottles with waste collectors and recyclers

Sustainability in every sip: vida e caffè partners for sustainable water bottle

EARLIER this year, vida e caffè took a significant step in its vida e mundo (meaning ‘life and the world’) sustainability journey by redesigning its still and sparkling water bottles – and introducing a new range of flavoured water bottles.

Previously, the bottles were screen-printed directly, which discoloured the PET, making them non-recyclable. Today, they feature a fully recyclable wraparound label that can be removed easily, allowing every bottle to be recycled and reused, supporting a cleaner environment and driving a circular economy.

This milestone was made possible after initial discussions with Petco and one of its recycling partners, Extrupet, and through strong partnerships with bottler Cape Aqua and Petco member, converter Polyoak Packaging.

According to Petco’s director and Polyoak Packaging’s executive, Michelle Penlington, “vida e caffè has succeeded in retaining maximum value of its used PET bottles with waste collectors and recyclers. As a founding member of both Petco and the SA Plastics Pact, Polyoak Packaging is committed to helping steer South Africa towards a circular economy where PET packaging never becomes waste, but rather a valuable resource to make new products and sustain jobs while protecting our environment.”

The entire project took nine months from internal discussions to working with suppliers, designers and printers, and finally launching the new packaging in stores.

vida e caffè’s chief executive officer, Darren Levy, says, “Our vida e mundo journey reflects our deep commitment to sustainability in every part of our business. This change to our water bottles is one more way we’re reducing our environmental footprint, creating value in the recycling chain, and making a positive impact – one small but meaningful step at a time”.

Extrupet’s joint managing director, Chandru Wadhwani, describes the transition as “truly monumental”.

“It is the clearest demonstration of a brand owner ‘walking the talk’ and converting words into action. Extrupet would like to commend the whole team at vida e caffè. Your water bottles will be much sought after by recyclers and, as such, will be compliant with the Government’s EPR legislation for collection and recycling.

“In an age of growing awareness around plastic pollution, especially single-use packaging, and in an environment where plastic usage is destined to grow, recycling has never been more important.”

Wadhwani says he is saddened to see other branded PET water bottles in the market that don’t meet Petco’s design guidelines for recyclability, but hopes that vida e caffè’s action will set the example for others to follow.

As South Africa’s leading producer responsibility organisation for PET plastic bottles and jars and liquid board packaging, Petco plays a critical role in helping brand owners and retailers design packaging that works for recycling, not against it, adds Petco CEO Telly Chauke.

“By following our Design for Recycling Guidelines, producers can avoid costly mistakes, reduce their environmental footprint, potentially save costs and unlock greater value in the recycling chain. Vida e caffè’s water bottles show how thoughtful design decisions can align business goals with sustainability, and we urge all our members and other producers in the packaging space to take similar steps.”