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Plastic From Plants Gets (Big) Shots in the Arm

07/30/2012

Coca-Cola Co. and H.J. Heinz Co., as well as Ford Motor Co., Nike Inc. and Procter & Gamble in June announced the formation of the Plant PET Technology Collaborative (PTC), a strategic working group focused on accelerating the development and use of 100 percent plant-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials and fiber in their products.

PET is used by all five companies in a variety of products and materials including plastic bottles, apparel, footwear and automotive fabric and carpet. For the time being, at least, they’re not looking for any other members, and there is no physical office.

The collaborative builds upon the success of Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle packaging technology, which is partially made from plants and has demonstrated a lower environmental impact when compared to traditional PET plastic bottles. Currently, Heinz licenses the technology from Coca-Cola for select Heinz ketchup bottles in the U.S. and Canada.

The collaborative was formed to accelerate advancement of current materials, which are partially made from plants, to a solution made entirely from plants. The goals are commercially viable, more sustainably sourced PET plastics that reduce the use of fossil fuels.