Heinz introduces 100% recyclable cap for its tomato ketchup range

Heinz is introducing a 100% recyclable cap for its range of Heinz Tomato Ketchup squeezy bottle products.

While the old-style Heinz cap used a flexible valve made from silicone which was harder to recycle, the new design will mean the whole bottle, including the cap, can be recycled in regular kerbside collection.

The caps, made from a single, rigid material, are being rolled out next month UK-wide on 400ml and bigger top-down bottles of Heinz Tomato Ketchup, including 50% Less Sugar and Salt varieties.

In the future, the cap will also be used across more of the Heinz sauces range in the UK and Europe.

The introduction of the new cap on the country's best-selling tomato ketchup is part of the Kraft Heinz Company's larger ambition to make all of its packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025, and to reduce its global use of virgin plastic by 20% by 2030.

Jojo de Noronha, president of Kraft Heinz Northern Europe, said the global products brand is "delighted to see our innovative, more sustainable caps on Heinz Tomato Ketchup bottles across the UK."

De Noronha added that the small change could have "big potential for impact".

Adam Herriott, senior sector specialist at climate action organisaton WRAP, said: "We fully support this innovation from Heinz and welcome this packaging development. All products and packaging have an impact on the environment.

"Whilst prevention or elimination of packaging in the first instance would be the ideal scenario (and at the top of the hierarchy), packaging plays an important, practical and convenient role. Therefore, the next step is to look at ensuring as much of it is recyclable, reusable or compostable as possible."