US plastic packaging company Berry Global has teamed up with fast food chain Taco Bell to launch a sustainable cup solution.

Designed for circularity, the 30oz tumbler contains mechanically recycled post-consumer resin (PCR) and 10% recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

Taco Bell will pilot the clear, all-plastic cup in its U.S. restaurants later this year.

By replacing virgin plastic cups and lid sets with the tumbler, the restaurant chain aims to divert waste from landfill and incineration while reducing its carbon footprint.

The company aims to make all of its consumer-facing packaging recyclable, compostable or reusable by 2025.

Missy Schaaphok, Global Director of Nutrition and Sustainability at Taco Bell, said, “By testing this new cup, Taco Bell is taking another step forward in identifying the most viable ways to meet our sustainability commitments. packaging to consumers.

“We are excited about this collaboration with Berry Global as we continue to work towards creating industry-wide packaging solutions.”

Berry Global President and CEO Tom Salmon said, “The environmental benefits we anticipate from this pilot project are made possible by one of the most innovative substrates available.

“I am proud of our joint commitments to advance the plastics industry and the fast food market with cutting-edge solutions that others can replicate to advance the transition to a net-zero consumption circular economy. »

The development will accelerate both companies’ sustainability commitments, which include Taco Bell’s 2022 commitments and Berry’s 2025 Impact program.

The partners began their sustainable packaging collaboration in 2018, when they switched to a fully recyclable plastic alternative to expanded polystyrene (EPS) and coated paper.

Berry also helped Taco Bell replace coated paper with lighter cups and clear plastic lids for cold drinks.

Earlier this year, Berry Global developed recycled plastic bottles for skincare brand Koa’s body wash and moisturizer products.