Great Central Plastics Push Sustainability with Aperol Jigger Project

harr + bass partnered with Great Central Plastics to create a bespoke, sustainable Aperol Jigger, producing approximately 50,000 units. The project combined innovative design with eco-conscious materials, resulting in a reusable, biodegradable product with reduced carbon emissions. This collaboration showcases how thoughtful manufacturing can align functionality with sustainability, setting a new standard for eco-friendly promotional items.

What Challenges Were Faced?

harr + bass faced the initial challenge of developing a product that addressed the need for a precise and easy-to-use jigger. After extensive research and development, the ideal solution was identified. The next step was to ensure the design could be manufactured cost-effectively. Following an evaluation of various production methods, injection moulding was selected as the most suitable option. Drawing on previous collaborations with injection moulding companies, harr + bass entrusted Great Central Plastics (GCP) as the plastic moulder for this bespoke drinks accessory. Initially moulded using GPPS, the jigger later presented the challenge of evolving into a more sustainable product as eco-friendliness became a priority.

How Did GCP Help Overcome the Challenges?

For the original jigger, Great Central Plastics’ expertise in injection moulding was vital in ensuring the product was designed for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing. The company also developed a mould tool layout that optimised both cost and durability, perfectly aligning with the project’s requirements.

When tasked with creating a sustainable version of the Aperol Jigger, Great Central Plastics’ experience as a sustainable injection moulder played a crucial role. The company introduced LIMEX, a limestone-based material known for its premium quality and strong sustainability credentials. Recently classified as non-taxable and non-plastic under the Plastic Packaging Tax Policy, LIMEX proved to be an ideal choice for this project.

Achieving the precise Aperol orange shade in LIMEX posed a unique challenge. However, Great Central Plastics collaborated closely with the material supplier, LXD, to successfully achieve the desired colour. Additionally, the company recommended incorporating the BDP ingredient to enhance biodegradability at the product’s end of life, further improving its sustainability credentials.

The project also gained environmental advantages through its partnership with Great Central Plastics, a UK-based injection moulding company that operates using solar-powered energy and UK-manufactured tooling. Combined with the use of LIMEX and BDP, this collaboration delivered notable eco-friendly benefits.

The Final Product

UK-Made: Manufactured locally, reducing transportation impact.
Re-Usable: Designed for repeated use, minimising waste.
Bio-Degradable: Enhanced with BDP for eco-friendly disposal at the end of its life.
Lower CO₂ Emissions: Produced using sustainable materials and solar-powered energy, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

Great Central Plastics
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