According to RPC Blackburn, there is growing demand from supermarkets for FMCG brands to enhance the environmental credentials of packaging but it remains vital that the functional and aesthetic benefits of current packaging are maintained. Premier Foods identified that Sun-Pat represented an ideal candidate as it was imported from Holland with the associated additional transport impacts.

RPC Blackburn suggested the use of a bespoke container, similar in shape to the existing glass jar, but with a massive 90 percent weight reduction. At the same time, the use of 50 percent recycled PET content would enhance sustainability initiatives.

An assessment by Premier Foods confirmed that a carbon footprint reduction was 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. This benefit is made stronger by the fact that the product is filled in Holland before being shipped to the UK.

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 the 258 ml, 357 ml and 459 ml injection stretch blow molded jars.