Sun-Pat, the U.K.’s leading peanut butter brand, has been relaunched in a lightweight, clear PET jar manufactured by RPC Containers Blackburn. The change from the existing glass packaging is said to reflect significant sustainability benefits for brand owner Premier Foods. In addition to the incorporation of 50% post-consumer recycled content, the jar also delivers a lower carbon footprint during transportation.
Premier Foods identified Sun-Pat as an ideal candidate for lightweighting, as the filled product is imported from Holland with the associated additional transport impacts. RPC Blackburn proposed the use of a custom container, similar in shape to the existing glass jar, but with a 90% weight reduction. At the same time, the use of 50% rPET content would enhance sustainability initiatives.
An assessment was carried out by Premier Foods, which confirmed the carbon footprint reduction possible with the PET jar. “With logistics regulations limiting the weight of lorry-loads, we can cut the number of vehicles required for transport and delivery,” explains Alan Robe, senior brand manager for Sun-Pat.
RPC Blackburn designed the PET jar to replicate the existing container shape and maintain Sun-Pat’s brand identity. The site’s technical team also worked closely with the filler to ensure compatibility with PET. The injection/stretch blow-molded jar is manufactured in three sizes: 258, 357, and 459 mL.
Launched in September, the new jar has proved popular with retailers and consumers alike. “In terms of style and functionality, the new container is unmistakably Sun-Pat, but the sustainability and logistics benefits of RPC’s solution have delivered major advantages,” concludes Robe.
