Reducing plastic pollution in the oceans
The German company Gerresheimer specializes in the production of packaging for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry, as well as for drug delivery devices. Gerresheimer manufactures vials for Pfizer's Covid 19 vaccine and supplies one-third of the world's vaccine containers.
Concerned about the large amount of plastic waste polluting the oceans, the company has developed a resin for the molding of its bottles entirely made of these residues. This polyethylene terephthalate (PET) collected and then recycled offers significant advantages and Gerresheimer intends to use it in the cosmetics sector (shower gels, shampoos and various body and face care products).
Niels Düring, executive vice president of the plastic packaging division, said at Luxe Pack in Paris, " We are very pleased to introduce this material to our customers for their sustainability concepts. I am sure that we will now be able to respond even better to their needs to jointly produce sustainable packaging for healthcare and cosmetic products. »
Save raw material and energy
Analysis and testing have shown that there is no significant difference between non-recycled and ocean-derived PET. Only a slightly modified visual aspect in terms of colors allows to differentiate them. In addition, the recycling process of ocean waste is less polluting and therefore leads to a reduction of CO2 emissions.
Acting globally for a virtuous pharmaceutical packaging industry
Gerresheimer was founded in 1842 and is present in 42 countries in Europe, Asia and Latin America. The innovative and technological solutions developed in the implementation of its glass and plastic packaging are based on the desire to market products that are produced in an environmentally friendly and high-quality manner. With 10,000 employees, the company has an annual turnover of more than 1.4 billion euros through an international clientele.
