Consumption: what alternatives to plastic bottles?

It has become a ritual: as every time they do their shopping, this mother and her daughter put their empty plastic bottles in a suitable machine. One way to raise awareness of recycling very early on. In a few seconds, the bottles are crushed and transformed into flakes that can be found in a factory in Saint-Yorre. (Combine). The plastic is melted and transformed back into small beads that are reused in the manufacture of the bottles. After a long process, we obtain a bottle of recycled material 100%.

This operation is more expensive than new plastic: between 20 to 30% more expensive. But manufacturers do not have the choice, because from 2025, all bottles must contain at least 25% of recycled plastic. Some have chosen to opt for other alternatives such as cardboard for still water or aluminum cans for sparkling water. A linen bottle was even designed: it is insulated, compostable and lighter than glass. The price of these many innovations should be passed on and the consumer may pay more.