At LOOP Mission, we know packaging can be a hot topic. We get it—glass sounds eco. But when you dig into the data (and trust us, we did), the story isn’t so simple.
That’s why we hired a consulting agency to conduct an Environmental Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)—a deep scientific look at the environmental impact of different juice bottle materials. We wanted facts, not assumptions, to guide us in choosing the most planet-friendly option.
Here’s what we found and why PET bottles came out on top.
PET vs Glass vs Aluminum: What the LCA Taught Us
PET plastic (specifically, the PET #1 we use) generates the lowest environmental impact of all the materials we tested. And when you factor in our use of high recycled content and Quebec’s strong recycling system, that impact is reduced even further.
Aluminum was an interesting contender if it were produced locally. But in Quebec, there isn’t a local aluminum bottle manufacturer, which drives up its overall environmental footprint.
Glass could be an eco-friendly option if there were a deposit-refund system that allowed juice bottles to be reused at least 15 times. But that system doesn’t exist for juice bottles in Canada today. Most glass bottles end up being recycled once, or worse, landfilled. Plus, glass is heavy to ship and energy-intensive to produce. Big footprint, small return.
The Data-Driven Choice: PET Bottles
Considering the current reality in Canada, the most environmentally friendly choice is PET plastic.
Bonus: Since March 1, LOOP bottles (100 ml and up) are now part of Quebec’s deposit-refund system through Consignaction. So when you return your bottles, you help keep them in the recycling loop and get a little money back while you’re at it! Clink, clink, repeat.
In the End, It’s About Impact
We’re a mission-driven brand. Every choice we make is about real impact, not appearances. Until local infrastructure catches up, PET is the best choice for the planet, and we’ll keep using it, improving it, and keeping it out of landfills.
Sip sustainably. Drink with purpose. And know your LOOP bottle is part of the solution.