New Seventh Generation HDPE containers use 96% PCR content

Seventh Generation has introduced new packaging for its environmentally friendly dish liquid and fabric softener that features 96% post-consumer recycled (PCR) content. Developed by Seventh Generation in collaboration with Consolidated Container Company, the new packaging is constructed of resin derived from recycled milk jugs and other plastic bottles  and is said to represent “a quantum leap” over the 25% recycled content typically found in plastic packaging.

"For many years we've bemoaned the fact that our products were great for the Earth, but our packaging really wasn't," says Seventh Generation director of Global Strategic Sourcing Peter Swaine. "It took a while to engineer, but we've proven to a skeptical industry that you can make a bottle that meets both high-performance and top environmental standards."

The new packaging joins other high PCR-content bottles in Seventh Generation's roster of products, including its 80% PCR 150-oz Concentrated Laundry Liquid container. These bottles are made from high-density polyethylene plastic instead of PETE because, the company says, manufacturing HPDE resin produces 42% less greenhouse gas emissions than PETE. According to Seventh Generations, the benefits of this switch are enormous: If every household replaced just one virgin plastic 25-oz bottle of dish liquid with the company’s 96% PCR bottle, America would save more than 8.6 million lb of plastic and prevent the release of more than 23.5 million lb of greenhouse gases.