Release Natural One

Natural One signs public commitment with Valgroup and invests R$2.4 million in 100% recycled PET packaging

Announced during Naturaltech, this partnership elevates the use of sustainable solutions in the Brazilian market

New packaging arrives on the market for refrigerated 1.5 liter Orange and Grape juices

Leader in the market of 100% natural juices in Brazil, Natural One joins forces with Valgroup – one of the largest producers, transformers and recyclers of plastic in the in the world – in a public commitment to use packaging made from PET PCR (post-consumer recycled resin) across its entire portfolio of natural juices, becoming a pioneer in the sector by adopting 100% recycled plastic (i.e. made from material already used and discarded in different applications) in its bottles in Brazil. For the implementation of the recycled packaging the foodtech company invested R$ 2.4 million in research, development and marketing actions, in a project that unites innovation, technology and sustainability – characteristics present in Natural One’s DNA.

The development of the new packaging took two years between conception, studies, industrial scale and Anvisa licensing, since a special development was required so that this recycled material could be used in food products, reducing the risk of contamination of bottled products with raw material to zero. Because it is a 100% natural product – without additives, colorants or any other preservatives – Natural One’s juices demanded a specific type of PET PCR to guarantee the integrity of the flavor, nutrients and color of the product, which was achieved in partnership with Valgroup.

The news arrives to the Brazilian market in the form of refrigerated Orange and Grape 1.5 liter natural juices in July of this year, and the goal is to expand the use of the new packaging to all of the brand’s portfolio in the next five years.

Data from the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) indicate that only 4% of solid waste that could be recycled is sent to this process in Brazil – a rate that is four times lower than in other countries with similar income and level of economic development. Therefore, the project between Natural One and Valgroup will be launched on an important date for the sector: World Environment Day and the National Recycling Day, in which Naturaltech 2022 takes place. Naturaltech 2022, the largest fair of natural products in Latin America, which will be held from June 8th to 11th at the Pavilhão de Exposições do Anhembi, in São Paulo.

The impact of this commitment will be the removal from circulation of 40,000 tons of virgin plastic from Natural One’s production chain over the next 5 years. In addition, the natural juice manufacturer has also made a commitment to develop labels and lids that are recycled by 2027, to reduce the emission of residues in the Jarinu/SP plant and to reduce the carbon footprint in the chain.

According to Natural One’s CEO, Rafael Ivanisk, the use of this material brings different socio-environmental benefits such as the promotion of the circular economy of plastic, positively reaching the networks of collectors of recyclable materials for the creation of recycled raw materials, in addition to the reduction in energy consumption, in the emission of greenhouse gases and the generation of waste discarded in the production of virgin plastic.

“One of the main pillars of Natural One since our foundation is the constant investment in research and technological solutions focused on sustainability and innovation in all stages of our business – from the environmentally friendly capture of the fruits and vegetables used in our juices, to the bottling of the products – in order to reduce the environmental impact of the processes to the greatest extent possible. Our concern with nature goes far beyond offering tasty blends with the true taste of natural products to our customers; our goal as a major player in the natural juice industry is to strengthen the industry and expand a whole network of suppliers and partners that are with us in this real commitment to well-being and the environment”, says Rafael Ivanisk, Natural One’s CEO.

For Valgroup, participating in this milestone reinforces its commitment to sustainability. Recently, the company reaffirmed its ESG positioning, as being NET ZERO by 2040, neutralizing carbon emissions and recycling 100% of the volume produced, effectively contributing to the circular economy. At a social level, the company strengthens its goals to contribute to the eradication of hunger, support education for vulnerable children and young people, act in favor of respect for human rights, in addition to encouraging diversity and inclusion, through the fair offer of opportunities. Acting in an ethical and transparent manner, Valgroup also reinforces its objectives to comply with international standards of Corporate Governance and to implement a strong global Ethics and Compliance program.

“Valgroup’s history is based on the principles of sustainable economic development. We were pioneers in the implementation of bottle-to-bottle recycling technology in Brazil, being also the first company to obtain, in 2008, the homologation from ANVISA for the use of PET PCR resin food grade. Making this commitment is aligned with our purpose of improving quality of life through the development of innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, optimizing resources and supporting the circular economy for plastics”. – states Eduardo Berkovitz – Valgroup’s Institutional Relations and Compliance director.

As with virgin plastic packaging, Natural One’s PET PCR is developed by Valgroup with high technology and protects against UV rays, which delays the entry of oxygen into the bottle juice, in addition to a modern juice pasteurization process and aseptic cold filling. The goal is to deliver drinks to consumers without the addition of sugar or preservatives, with special and exclusive blends that preserve the natural flavor of the fruit, maintaining its healthiness and ensuring a shelf life of eight months, which allows it to travel to different continents. Natural One’s juices can be found in more than 68 thousand of the company’s physical points of sale, besides its e-commerce that serves all parts of Brazil and features a subscription club. Today, the company already has the I RECYCLE label, which indicates the correct disposal of the plastic used.

These environmental guidelines reinforce Natural One’s goal of producing healthy beverages straight from nature, with as little environmental impact as possible – a concern that is reflected in consumer choices. According to a recent survey conducted by the Paulista Association of Markets (APAS), 94% of Brazilians prioritize brands that focus on sustainable practices and a Capgemini Research Institute survey, Circular Economy for a Sustainable Future, points out that 67% of people expect companies to be more proactive on sustainability. Another relevant piece of data comes from The Nielsen Group’s 2019 survey, which indicates that 57% of consumers in Latin America would choose another brand for options that use more sustainable packaging.

About Natural One

Natural One is the best-selling natural juice brand in its category. Brazilians quickly fell for Natural One for uniting flavor and health at an accessible price in its transparent bottles. The company has the largest 100% natural juice portfolio, with more than 10 flavors available. Natural One invests heavily in technology and highly trained professionals to deliver to the consumer what it has promised since its creation: products different from anything people have ever experienced.

About Valgroup

With more than 45 years in the market, Valgroup has become one of the largest plastic producers, processors and recyclers in the world, with operations in Brazil, Spain, the United States, Mexico and Uruguay, with approximately 6,000 employees in 37 plants. A consolidated company in search of leadership in the

plastic packaging market in the Americas, through sustainable innovations and recognition as a benchmark in the circular economy, being one of the first companies in the world to sign the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.

More information

Natural One Assistence

FSB Group

Lais Colombini – lais.colombini@fsb.com.br – (11) 3165-9596

Joana Fróes – joana.froes@fsb.com.br – (21) 3206-5050