Product designers now more than ever have a responsibility to incorporate easy recycling and sustainability into product design, explain Polykeg UK.

They have become features just as important as functionality and value. Designers need to consider using recycled product materials from sustainable sources.

They need to consider how the product will be recycled at the end of its life taking into consideration ease of dismantling and the processes by which the components can be recycled.

It has always considered the impact on the environment of its business. Currently 18 % of the energy used to manufacture Polykegs is generated within the manufacturing plant using green energy produced by solar panels. Plans are in place to increase this to almost 40%.  Overall a Polykeg is made from 40% of recycled material and specifically the top and base contain 85% recycled material.

The new Polykeg Pro kegs are designed to be easily dismantled and the top and base parts can be reused to make new kegs. Polykeg have developed a network of recycling partners throughout its key markets and provide specially designed equipment to dismantle the kegs. 

Furthermore, we have developed a new modular and compact manufacturing process which allows for production to be decentralised. This eliminates secondary packaging and optimises handling and logistics. For example, an articulated lorry normally transports approximately between 1,500 and 2,000 empty kegs.

With the same lorry, Polykeg can transport around 40 thousand preformed items to the place of use, which then become 40 thousand kegs. Longer term, Polykeg aims to set up local keg production in various countries using this modular production system.

We have now been rewarded for these efforts in sustainability and recycling. In 2022 Polykeg won the prestigious Conai Award for being the most sustainable company in Italy. It was a great achievement and recognition for the hard work the whole Polykeg team put into making their products and processes more and more sustainable.