Make the switch to more sustainable PET containers
As plastic falls under scrutiny by environmental groups, it’s important to revisit the data behind its true impact and value for rigid container applications. Glass containers are still prevalent in the food industry, mainly for hot fill applications. At Ring we are committed to reducing the environmental footprint of packaging, offering significant environmental advantages with our TRIMLITE™ technology as a cost-effective PET replacement for glass.
The conversion from glass to plastic might be a familiar story, but the benefits continue to make a big impact on reduction of energy use. PET uses significantly less energy than glass for not only the sourcing of raw material and the manufacture and transport of containers, but also the energy needed to recycle it.
Life-cycle assessment of a 30 oz PET container made with Ring’s TRIMLITE technology demonstrates significant environmental advantages versus a comparable glass jar. A TRIMLITE container is stronger, faster and lighter than glass, providing cost-effective sustainability benefits. Through a proprietary process, TRIMLITE optimizes material usage for unmatched performance. The result is a sustainable solution with zero sacrifice on strength, capability or efficiency.
PET delivers a more sustainable solution
Raw material: Mining silica as a raw material for glass has a larger physical impact than conventional drilling of oil and the synthesis of polymer for plastics.
Manufacturing: Producing a glass container requires extreme heat (>2,000ºF). A TRIMLITE PET container requires only 640ºF of thermal energy.
Transportation: A truckload of plastic containers weighing 7,500 pounds would trans-late to a 42,000-pound truckload of glass containers. Hauling the extra weight of a glass container shipment requires significantly more fuel and may even require multi-ple trucks to accommodate weigh-out limits.
Recycling: While both glass and PET are fully recyclable, the energy required to recy-cle glass (2,800ºF) is far higher than PET (640ºF). That’s a 437.5% increase in energy burden for the recycling of glass.
Tools and talent for sustainable solutions
As the industry works hard to ensure a minimal environmental footprint, Ring provides optimal, cost-effective solutions for jams, jellies and preserves, dressings and condi-ments, and pickled goods.
Bring us your challenge. With 19 locations throughout North America dedicated to re-search, manufacturing, distribution, and management, we have the tools and the talent to help you meet your sustainability and efficiency goals.
