Reusable plastic bottling system

Abstract

The Reusable Plastic Bottling System is Designed to save both energy and consumer costs. By refilling Plastic Detergent Bottles at the supermarkets recycling costs can be reduced significantly. The system is also designed to reduce the amount of labeling on the bottles. Fifty five or thirty gallon drums will be placed on aluminum or steel alloy racks. Bulk plastic containers can also be used instead of drums for higher capacity and less space. The drums will be installed with faucet or electric top fill valves so the consumer can easily open the valve to refill their bottles. Container racks can be mounted to the floor with red head anchors. The rack system can easily be designed to fit in the current supermarket rack area with with drums (containers) arranged for efficiency. Drums will need to be refilled with detergent at least twice per week in most supermarkets. This estimate is based on weekly usage (Albertson's Supermarket, Costa Mesa, Cailf. store mgr. Mike Maurer). The main objective for replacing plastic detergent bottles with a reusable drum system is to save recycling and virgin resin energy costs. This system is not designed to replace other types of bottle recycling.

1 . Through the process of reusing the 3.78 liter and 2.95 liter liquid laundry containers by refilling via faucet valve a large soap manufacturer can save on virgin resin costs. This cost savings may reduce consumer prices as well.  
     
     
         2 . The volume of resin used for manufacturing these small containers would be reduced, assuming consumers are educated about saving their used containers for refill. the PE drums will also be reused many times because the manufacturer will refill them. The combination of refilling and reusing these container products will most likely save the manufacturer CRV costs and possibly county landfill siting costs.  
     
     
         3 . The process would reduce the cost of labeling for multiple containers. only the 30 gallon drums would need to be labeled. The company can inform the consumer to save their empty containers by stating in bold print; “Refillable Detergent Bottle.” “Do Not Discard.” The company might want to add: “Return to Local Supermarket for a refill.” 
     
     
         4 . The detergent corporation can reduce end-use recycling costs by making their plastic containers refillable.