Ketchup of the Future: Heinz Is Developing an Eco-Friendly Paper Bottle

Your summer barbeque spreads are getting an eco-friendly addition. Say goodbye to old-school ketchup bottles made of plastic, because Kraft Heinz recently announced the classic bottles are getting a sustainable makeover.

According to a recent press release, Kraft Heinz says it aims to become the first sauce brand to create an eco-friendly, paper-based ketchup bottle in a collaboration with Pulpex, a packaging technology that provides brands with sustainable, recyclable packaging.

The announcement comes at the perfect time: The demand for plastic-free, sustainable products is rising. Research shows that internet searches for plastic-free products are increasing by up to 90% for some items.

Plus, between 2020 and 2028, the global eco-friendly packaging market is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.1%. That means several companies are getting on board with consumer demands and ditching the plastic packaging.

We've already seen innovations from Burger King, Starbucks, ALDI, and more. And now Heinz is joining the club. Here's everything you need to know about the paper-based bottle, as well as other ways Heinz is prioritizing the planet.

Kraft Heinz's Paper-Based Ketchup Bottle

According to the press release, the new bottle is still in the developing stages. It will be completely paper-based, renewable, and recyclable—made from 100% sustainably sourced wood pulp.

To ensure the bottle achieves its goal of being a more eco-friendly alternative to hard-to-recycle plastic, the prototype is undergoing various testing stages before hitting the shelves. So we may not be seeing these bottles in grocery stores just yet—but hopefully, we won't have to wait long.

Additionally, according to Pulpex's research, the carbon footprint of Pulpex bottles is "less than glass and plastic on a bottle-by-bottle basis."

Research from a 2021 Instacart study shows ketchup is one of the most popular condiments in the U.S. About 23% of survey respondents said ketchup is the single condiment they would use for the rest of their lives. That means Heinz and Pulpex's newest eco-friendly innovation may have a massive eco-friendly impact! It may even set the stage for other brands to follow suit.

And the paper bottle isn't the only eco-friendly move Kraft Heinz is making. The company has pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its operational footprint and supply chain by 2050. Additionally, the company has goals to achieve an emissions reduction of 50% by 2030.

Plus, the company is considering how it sources its famous ketchup. By 2025, the brand hopes to source 100% of Heinz ketchup tomatoes sustainably. And of course, the company is transitioning to more circular and recyclable consumer packaging.

With more major companies taking a stand to reduce their carbon emissions and environmental impact, we can envision a brighter, eco-friendly future. And it's up to consumers to create the demand for more sustainable alternatives.