Will reused glass redefine the codes of beverage packaging?

The Normandy region, in partnership with three other regions in northwest France, has launched an ambitious experiment on the reuse of glass bottles. Starting in May 2025, this project will involve 16 million French citizens, who will be able to participate in a dedicated bottle deposit network. The goal? To reuse 10% of packaging by 2027, in line with the requirements of the Agec law on the circular economy, adopted in February 2020.

But will all glass bottles be reusable? Unfortunately, no. Not all bottles of our usual products can be reused, primarily because not all types of glass have the same thickness and, therefore, the same resistance to repeated washing. In fact, the friction between bottles during cleaning cycles weakens them. Despite its history with glass deposits, France today has limited experience with modern reuse practices. The few washing plants that exist in the country are not all equipped to handle the various shapes of bottles (diameters, heights, etc.).

To address these challenges, an initial phase of testing is being launched with the support of Citéo, which, in collaboration with glass manufacturers O-I and Verallia, has developed two reusable bottle models called “R-cœur.” However, with new legislation pushing companies to increase their share of reusable containers, the question arises: will all brands eventually turn exclusively to these two standardized models?

Aware of these environmental challenges and the need for diversity, at Univerre, we have decided to actively engage in this transition. To this end, we have developed our own range of reusable bottles, offering a customized alternative tailored to the specific needs of our clients while addressing the challenges of the circular economy.

The “Magellan” bottle, with its straight shoulders and wide neck, and the “Pacifique” bottle, slim and rounded, are specially designed to hold water, juices, milk, soups, beers, and sodas.

Plancoët, the flagship water of Brittany, uses the 33 cl Pacifique model for its sales to the restaurant industry. In Normandy, the GAEC de la Poulardière has also chosen to participate in this initiative by packaging its fruit juices in the Magellan bottle.

The Pacifique bottle is available in 33 and 75 cl sizes, with developments underway for 50 and 100 cl formats. The Magellan bottle is offered in 25 and 100 cl sizes, with developments also underway for 50 and 75 cl formats.