Spectra Packaging launches 55% rPET Classico jar range 

UK – Spectra Packaging has unveiled its Classico personal care jar range made with 55% recycled PET (rPET), exceeding current UK post-consumer recycled (PCR) content requirements and forming the cornerstone of the company’s PCR55 initiative to accelerate the uptake of higher recycled-content packaging. 

The Classico range comprises injection stretch blow-molded jars available in seven capacities, 50 mL, 100 mL, 150 mL, 200 mL, 250 mL, 300 mL, and 400 mL, targeting premium personal care brands that want to combine sustainability with high-quality aesthetics and performance.

Spectra emphasizes that its 55% rPET formulation goes beyond both current and forthcoming recycled plastic integration targets in the UK and EU. 

In the UK, the Plastic Packaging Tax applies to plastic packaging components that contain less than 30% recycled plastic, while the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation mandates a minimum of 30% recycled content in contact-sensitive applications from 2030, rising to 50% from 2040. 

By setting 55% recycled content as a future standard, Spectra says it is helping brand owners move ahead of regulatory baselines while maintaining the consistency, clarity, and structural integrity expected in premium packaging.

Jonathan Powell, sales director at Spectra, stated, “PCR55 is the next evolutionary step in our sustainability journey. We’ve seen increasing demand from brands looking for packaging solutions that combine higher levels of recycled content with the quality and appearance they expect.”

“By establishing 55% recycled content as our future standard, we’re helping customers move toward their sustainability objectives while maintaining the performance and consistency required for premium packaging applications.”

Beyond the Classico jars, Spectra is expanding its recycled portfolio through the ongoing development of its Rotondo PET jar range, which is designed to offer a soft, distinctive silhouette to support brand differentiation. 

The new Rotondo jars are intended to complement the company’s recently launched Rotondo bottles in 100 mL, 250 mL, and 500 mL formats, creating a cohesive family of recycled PET solutions for personal care. 

Both the Classico and Rotondo lines are being presented at Spectra’s booth during London Packaging Week as part of its broader showcase of sustainable packaging innovations.

Spectra’s recent commercial track record in recycled and ocean-bound plastics further underpins the PCR55 strategy. 

Last year, the company supplied UK fragrance brand Floral Street with bottles made from prevented ocean plastic (POP) and PCR, and provided UK child care brand Tiiglu with 250 mL Eclipse Oval bottles manufactured from recycled and POP PET. 

These projects demonstrate Spectra’s experience in integrating alternative feedstocks such as POP and high levels of PCR into commercially viable personal care packaging, which the company is now scaling through initiatives like PCR55 and product families such as Classico and Rotondo.

Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.