SDG Challenge: Circular Innovation with Kraft Heinz
As part of an international SDG Challenge, I collaborated with Kraft Heinz on a real-world sustainability problem: extending Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) systems to include condiment bottles, which are currently excluded despite being widely used and recyclable.
PET condiment bottles could be better integrated into Deposit Return Schemes (DRS). These bottles pose a unique challenge: they contain multiple materials (PET, PP, silicone valves, multilayer films) that complicate sorting and reduce recycling efficiency.
I approached the challenge from a systems‑engineering and product‑design perspective, focusing on how packaging, consumer behavior, and recycling infrastructure interact. My work included:
- Technical Analysis of Current Bottles
Identified material combinations (PET, PP, silicone valves, multilayer films) that hinder sorting and reduce recyclability.
- System Mapping & Problem Definition
Analyzed the full lifecycle of condiment bottles within existing DRS infrastructure to pinpoint where they fail to be captured.
- Concept Development: Smart Condiment DRS
- Stakeholder & Feasibility Assessment
Mapped key partners (RVM providers, retailers, recyclers) and evaluated technical, financial, and operational feasibility.
- Impact Modeling
Assessed how improved return rates could unlock food‑grade PCR feedstock and support EU PPWR compliance.
PET condiment bottles could be better integrated into Deposit Return Schemes (DRS). These bottles pose a unique challenge: they contain multiple materials (PET, PP, silicone valves, multilayer films) that complicate sorting and reduce recycling efficiency.
For an SDG innovation challenge, I collaborated with Heinz to explore how squeezable PET condiment bottles could be integrated into future Deposit Return Schemes (DRS). While DRS systems achieve extremely high return rates for beverage containers, condiment bottles fall outside the system due to their multi‑material construction and inconsistent consumer behavior. This creates material losses, limits access to food‑grade recycled plastics, and makes it harder for brands to meet EU 2030 circularity targets.
I approached the challenge from a systems‑engineering and product‑design perspective, focusing on how packaging, consumer behavior, and recycling infrastructure interact. My work included:
- Technical Analysis of Current Bottles
Identified material combinations (PET, PP, silicone valves, multilayer films) that hinder sorting and reduce recyclability.
- System Mapping & Problem Definition
Analyzed the full lifecycle of condiment bottles within existing DRS infrastructure to pinpoint where they fail to be captured.
- Concept Development: Smart Condiment DRS
Contributed to a vision‑AI–enabled solution that allows existing reverse vending machines (RVMs) to recognize rinsed condiment bottles with minimal hardware changes.
- Stakeholder & Feasibility Assessment
Mapped key partners (RVM providers, retailers, recyclers) and evaluated technical, financial, and operational feasibility.
- Impact Modeling
Assessed how improved return rates could unlock food‑grade PCR feedstock and support EU PPWR compliance.
The final deliverable combined engineering, system design, and consumer behavior insights into a realistic pathway for integrating condiment bottles into DRS. The proposed solution strengthens circularity, reduces material loss, and positions Heinz as a leader in sustainable packaging aligned with SDG 12.
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Engineering
Sustainability
Design