Aptar announces launch of its SimpliCycle valve technology in Kraft Heinz packaging

Aptar Food + Beverage announces its recyclable SimpliCycle valve will be launched within the new Kraft Heinz Ketchup packaging. In addition to Heinz Ketchup, other Kraft Heinz brands, including Heinz Mustard, Heinz Mashups, and Heinz BBQ Sauce, will convert to the SimpliCycle valve by the end of the year. Both companies coordinated and administered testing to ensure the consumer experience was equally matched in the conversion.

“We are proud of our collaboration with Aptar on the utilization of the SimpliCycle valve as it helps further advance our goal of full package recyclability by 2025,” says Chris Max, research lead of packaging sustainability for Kraft Heinz.

Customers like Kraft Heinz recognize that Aptar Food + Beverage has been a global leader in flow control solutions for more than 25 years. The SimpliCycle valve was awarded the Best CSR/Sustainability Initiative at the World Food Innovation Awards ceremony held virtually on YouTube in March 2021. Composed of a low-density material, the SimpliCycle valve is easily separated from the PET stream and ultimately recycled within the PP/PE olefin stream while maintaining high performance, cleanliness, control, and convenience silicone valves.

Aptar Food + Beverage also received recognition for developing SimpliCycle TPE valves with closures for PET, HDPE, and PP bottles from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). The recognition was based on the technical recyclability of the valve in compliance with the APR Critical Guidance Protocol.

“We are making positive and aggressive advances toward total package recyclability, says Jordan Kinsler, manager of packaging and sustainability for Kraft Heinz. “We are proud of our partnership with Aptar in this important initiative.”

“Many of our customers have set goals for full package recyclability, without compromising on packaging performance and the overall consumer experience,” says Beth Morris, key account manager for Aptar Food + Beverage. “It is our goal and mission to help them achieve the most ambitious sustainability objectives.”

Kraft Heinz is the third-largest food and beverage company in North America and the fifth-largest in the world, with eight US $1 billion dollar-plus brands. Kraft Heinz is a globally-trusted food producer and provides high-quality, great taste and nutrition for meals and snacks prepared at home, in restaurants, and in on-the-go venues.