Every minute, more than one million plastic bottles are sold. That’s a lot, and most of it isn’t being recycled. In fact, it’s estimated that over 12 million tonnes of plastic make their way into the marine environment every year. As conscious business owners, it is vital we take steps now to protect our planet. There are plenty of alternative materials out there which fulfil the same function as plastic but are either recyclable or degrade with minimal impact. But with liquid products requiring specialist packaging, it’s tricky to know which to go for.

At Fillcon, we’ve been filling all sorts of receptacles with all sorts of liquids, gels and creams for years! We’re experts in our field and are passionate about encouraging people to consider eco-friendly packaging options where possible. From sachets to pouches to cosmetic tubes and bottles, we love working with our clients to deliver flawless filling solutions.

In this blog, we outline some great alternatives to plastic bottles so you can decide on the best option is for your business.

Why Are Plastic Bottles Bad for the Environment?

If you’re thinking plastic bottles aren’t so bad, we’re here to set you straight! Plastic bottles contain a chemical called Bisphenol A or BPA which seeps into water and has been linked to diseases like cancer and hormonal issues.

Plastic doesn’t biodegrade but importantly it does photodegrade. This means over time it will break down into smaller and smaller fragments which contaminate water sources and enter our food chain. The presence of plastic in the ocean presents a danger to all kinds of marine life including seabirds and turtles.

And if that isn’t enough to convince you, just think about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch – it’s three times the size of France!

See more: Everything You Need to Know About Recyclable Packaging >

6 Alternatives to Plastic Bottles

So, we’ve convinced you that plastic bottles are bad news for the environment. But what are the alternatives? Below, we go through some of the other options available.

See more: A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Packaging for Liquids >

Glass Bottles

Glass has much better eco-credentials than plastic. It doesn’t contain any of the nasty chemicals you get with plastic and can also be infinitely recycled without losing integrity. If you choose glass for your liquid packaging, however, make sure you consider its fragility and weight. These qualities mean it might not be suitable for all applications. For the right product, though, this can make the ideal replacement.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Recycling Bottles >

Recycled or Plant Plastic

Plastic does have some beneficial qualities when it comes to packaging. If you’re struggling to do without, there are some options that can help mitigate the impact. Choosing plastic that is both recycled and recyclable will greatly reduce the amount of your packaging the ends up in landfill or in the ocean.

Another option is Plant or Bioplastic; plastic made from plants like corn or sugarcane or even by microorganisms. Both of these alternatives mean you don’t have to go without the inherent benefits of plastic – there’s a reason it’s everywhere!

8 Benefits of Using Bottles for Product Packaging >

Lined Paper/Cardboard Bottles

Bottles made from paper or cardboard are the hot new topic in sustainable packaging. These nifty receptacles use a thin lining made from plant plastic or a minimal amount of normal plastic to contain the liquid, and a 100% recyclable paper or cardboard outer shell. This is a clever way of going green without ramping up your costs.

Aluminium Bottles

Like glass, aluminium can be recycled again and again without losing value. Significantly less energy is used to recycle aluminium than is used to refine and smelt it from raw bauxite. Recycling also preserves our limited supply of natural resources. Once they’re gone – they’re gone! Lightweight, robust, and affordable, aluminium can be a great way of going plastic free whilst still retaining some of the best features of the material.

Related: Why Aluminium Tube Packaging Is So Popular in Cosmetics >

Eco-Friendly Pouches

Pouches are lighter than plastic bottles and they save space. However, some of the liquid pouches currently on the market aren’t recyclable. Fillcon offer a pouch that is essentially a large version of our PP recyclable sachet laminate – made with reduced plastic overall and totally recyclable too!

Fillcon Recyclable Pouch Packaging >

See more: Benefits of Using Pouches for Your Packaging >

Offer Refills

Of course, the best alternative to single use is re-use! Offering your customers the opportunity to refill their receptacles or purchase sustainably-packaged top-ups can be a great way of committing to greener materials and cutting down on overall packaging waste.

In the long run, setting up the infrastructure to offer refills for your products can save you and your customers money. Whether you’re selling laundry liquid, car shampoo, cosmetics, or milk, reusable containers are a great route to go down.

Don’t want to do the filling yourself? Get in touch with Fillcon and our friendly, hyper-efficient team of experts will be on hand to advise you.

Eco-Friendly Sachets and Packaging in Bristol

Fillcon are always on top of the latest innovations in sustainable packaging. We pride ourselves on our premium filling solutions and exceptional customer service. We’re passionate about filling and love each and every sachet that leaves our high-tech factory.

If you need something dispensed into an eco-friendly bottle, we can provide the service you require. We manufacture your products with care and expertise, taking the hassle out of the production process – and some of the plastic too!

To find out more about our services, contact us for a quote or get in touch.

Read next: A Beginner’s Guide to Different Types of Bottles >

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