EP0919485A1

EP0919485A1 - Plastic containers and collection system for plastic containers

Info

Publication number: EP0919485A1
Application number: EP98103042A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kazuko Hasebe; Kazuhumi Komatsu; Kyoji Kinbara
Original assignee: Tokyo Memorial Service Co Ltd
Current assignee: TEMUSO CO., LTD.
Priority date: 1997-11-26
Filing date: 1998-02-20
Publication date: 1999-06-02
Also published as: CN1217995A; JPH11157523A; KR19990043975A

Abstract

A plastics container (1) which, once the liquid contents have been consumed, the body thereof can be collected and then reused, is provided together with a collection system for such a plastics container. The plastics container (1) comprises: a cylindrical shaped closed base plastics container body (2) having an opening (100); a trade mark representation (3) affixed to a surface of the plastics container body (2); an environmental protection mark (4) affixed to a surface of the plastics container body (2) and an environmental protection cooperation organisation representation (10) displayed on a surface of the plastics container body (2) in the vicinity of the environmental protection mark (4). After the contents have been consumed, the plastics container body (2) is collected by a collector, and the basic materials are then directly reclaimed without refuse disposal.

The environment protection cooperation organisation representation (10) is displayed sufficiently close to the environmental protection mark (4) as to not cause confusion with the trade mark representation (3) indicating the contents of the plastics container (1), and a product origin representation. Therefore a person dealing with the plastics container (1) will not confuse this with products related to the business of others. Hence support for the product distribution system can be guaranteed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A present invention relates to collection of plastics containers, to a plastics container which can be made into reprocessed articles, and to a collection system for such plastics containers.

2. Description of the Related Art

Heretofore, the product distribution channel for plastics containers filled with a liquid such as a soft drink, involves a manufacturer, a sales outlet, and a consumer, distribution passing from the manufacturer to the consumer via the sales outlet. Once the soft drink inside the plastics container has been consumed by the consumer, the plastics container body is discarded as rubbish. The discarded plastics container is then transported by truck to a refuse dump. Refuse disposal at the refuse dump then involves conventional processing channels.
With conventional plastics containers however, the material thereof comprises resins other than polyethylene terephthalate. Hence if this is discarded as waste from the consumers household, and subsequently incinerated, then the noxious gases in the exhaust gases generated at the time of incineration result in environmental pollution. Moreover, if the waste is discarded into the natural environment as rubbish, since it is difficult for products made from artificial materials to subsequently return to nature, the natural environment is also damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in order to solve such problems, with the object of providing a plastics container which once the liquid contents have been consumed the body thereof can be collected and reused, and of providing a collection system for such a plastics container.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastics container comprising: a cylindrical shaped closed base plastics container body having an opening; a trade mark representation affixed to a surface of the plastics container body; an environmental protection mark affixed to a surface of the plastics container body; and an environmental protection cooperation organisation representation displayed on a surface of the plastics container body in the vicinity of the environmental protection mark.
Here environmental protection involves at least collecting the plastics container body after the contents have been consumed, and then directly reclaiming the basic materials without refuse disposal. Consequently, by means of the environmental protection mark affixed to the plastics container body, the distributor or the consumer can be notified that the organisation disclosed on the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation, and the product origin organisation which can be read from the trade mark representation are cooperating with the plastics container recycle campaign.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation is displayed sufficiently close to the environmental protection mark as to not cause confusion with the trade mark representation indicating the contents of the plastics container and a product origin representation.
Therefore the person dealing with the plastics container will not confuse this with products related to the business of others. Hence support for the product distribution system can be guaranteed.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the trade mark representation is affixed to a surface of an upper end head portion of the plastics container body, and the environmental protection mark together with the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation are affixed to a surface of a lower end trunk portion.
Therefore the display regions are partitioned from each other. Hence a dealer can recognise that the environmental protection mark and the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation are both not related to the contents, and support for the collection of the plastics container body can thus be facilitated.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the trade mark representation, the environmental protection mark and the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation are affixed in mutual relationship at different diametric directions relative to a central axis of the plastics container at positions displaced from each other when viewed from the side.
Therefore at a transitory glance the trade mark representation and the environmental protection mark are not viewed simultaneously. Hence the dealer can recognise that the environmental protection mark and the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation are both not related to the contents, and support for the collection of the plastics container body can thus be facilitated.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the material for the plastics container body is characterized in comprising polyethylene terephthalate. In general polyethylene terephthalate is often used for the material for the plastics container body.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a plastics container collection system comprising: a step of manufacturing a plastics container body; a step of enclosing contents in the plastics container body; a step of transporting a plastics container as disclosed in any one of the above aspects and in which contents have been enclosed to a consumer; a step of collecting a plastics container body the contents of which have been consumed by a consumer, and a step of reclaiming the collected plastics container body.
Further objects and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments given in conjunction with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a plastics container according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an environmental protection mark and an environmental protection cooperation organisation representation;
FIG. 3 shows views of a plastics container according to a second embodiment of the present invention, (A) being a plan view and (B) being a side view;
FIG. 4 shows views of a plastics container according to a third embodiment of the present invention, (A) being a plan view and (B) being a side view;
FIG. 5 shows views of a plastics container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, (A) being a plan view and (B) being a side view;
FIG. 6 shows views of a plastics container according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, (A) being a plan view and (B) being a side view;
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a plastics container collection system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of increasing a plastics container collection proportion according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a plastics container collection system of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As follows is a description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

With a first embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, a container body 2 of a plastics container 1 is a cylindrical shaped closed base body having an opening 100, and comprises an upper head portion 6 and a lower trunk portion 7. A recess portion 8 is formed in an outer periphery at a region between the head portion 6 and the trunk portion 7. The opening 100 is on the side of the head portion 6 away from the recess portion 8. A cap 9 is removably fitted to the opening 100.
A shrink pack wrap film 5 is wrapped around the head portion 6 and the trunk portion 7 of the container body 2. The upper edge of the wrap film 5 is indicated by numeral 511 while the lower edge is indicated by numeral 512. A trade mark representation 3 is displayed on the upper portion of the wrap film 5, while an environmental protection mark 4 is displayed on the lower portion.
The trade mark representation 3 includes the origin of the plastics container goods, for example the name and address of the distributor or manufacturer, as well as the product name, or a brand or trade and quality representation of the plastics container, as well as the product name, the ingredients names, the contents weight, the use by period, the preservation method and the like.
The environmental protection mark 4 is for example the mark as shown in FIG. 2. The environmental protection mark 4 has the meaning that the enterprise body is cooperating with environmental recycling. Consequently the enterprise body name which is included in the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 10 displayed close to the environmental protection mark 4, indicates that the enterprise body is cooperating with environmental recycling. With environmental recycling, the plastics container is collected by a predetermined organisation (for example ABC collectors) and is then introduced to a reclamation route, thus contributing to environmental protection. That is to say, the enterprise body which supports environmental protection displays an intention to cooperate with not immediately discarding plastics containers, and to contribute to environmental protection.
Examples of where the plastics containers can be reused are for example as solid fuels, as base material for asphalt, and as fibres.
The environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 10 which is displayed close to the environmental protection mark 4, is a representation such as shown in FIG. 2 (A) and (B). The environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 10 shown in (A) displays "The advertisement on the plastics container affixed with this world recycle mark is that of an enterprise which cooperates with recycling", while the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 10 shown on (B) displays "ABC Company Limited is cooperating with recycling of the plastics container to which this mark is affixed."
In the case where there is for example a first company name in the display shown in the trade mark representation 3, then having this second company name included in the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 10 guarantees a relationship which does not cause confusion between the first company name and the source of the products Having this second company name is to prevent the occurrence of a misunderstanding, for example that the second company whose name is displayed close to the environmental protection mark 4, manufactures or sells the products contained in the plastics container. This thus clearly indicates that the second company is an enterprise body which cooperates with the environmental protection mark 4 environmental recycling.
For the medium displaying the trade mark representation, the environmental protection mark, and the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation according to the present invention, instead of shrink pack wrap film, this may comprise paper, a sticker of a paper or plastic product, or direct printing. Moreover, the location for display of the trade mark representation, the environmental protection mark, and the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation according to the present invention can vary depending on the size, shape and material etc. of the various types of plastics containers.
Other embodiments of the present invention related to the positional relationship between the trade mark and the environmental protection mark, and the various types of plastics containers, are shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

Second embodiment

With a second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the capacity of a plastics container 11 is from 1.5 ∼ 2L. This container 11 is of circular shape in horizontal cross-section. A wrap film sheet 15 is attached to a head portion 16 and a trunk portion 17 of a container body 12 using shrink pack. A trade mark representation 13 is displayed on a portion of the wrap film sheet 15 located on the head portion 16. Moreover an environmental protection mark 14 and an environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 20 are displayed on a portion of the wrap film sheet 15 located on the trunk portion 17.
The environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 20 is displayed sufficiently close to the environmental protection mark 14 as to not cause confusion with the company name and product origin indicated by the trade mark representation 13. Consequently, there is no recognition by the dealer/customer that the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 20 is related to the source of the contents of the plastics container 11.

Third Embodiment,

With a third embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the capacity of a plastics container 21 is from 1.5 ∼ 2L and the shape is octagonal in horizontal cross-section.
A wrap film sheet 25 is attached to a head portion 26 and a trunk portion 27 of a container body 22 using shrink pack. A trade mark representation 23 is displayed on a portion of the wrap film sheet 25 located on the head portion 26. Moreover an environmental protection mark 24 and an environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 30 are displayed on a portion of the wrap film sheet 25 located on the trunk portion 27.
The environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 30 is displayed sufficiently close to the environmental protection mark 24 as to not cause confusion with the company name and product origin indicated by the trade mark representation 23. Consequently, there is no recognition by the dealer/customer that the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 30 is related to the source of the contents of the plastics container 21.

Fourth Embodiment

With a fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the capacity of a plastics container 31 is 0.5L and the shape is circular in horizontal cross-section.
A wrap film sheet 35 is attached to a head portion 36 and a trunk portion 37 of a container body 32 using shrink pack. A trade mark representation 33 is displayed on a portion of the wrap film sheet 35 located on the head portion 36. Moreover an environmental protection mark 34 and an environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 40 are displayed on a portion of the wrap film sheet 35 located on the trunk portion 37.
The environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 40 is displayed sufficiently close to the environmental protection mark 34 as to not cause confusion with the company name and product origin indicated by the trade mark representation 33. Consequently, there is no recognition by the dealer/customer that the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 40 is related to the source of the contents of the plastics container 31.

Fifth Embodiment

With a fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the capacity of a plastics container 31 is 0.5L and the shape is octagonal in horizontal cross-section.
A wrap film sheet 45 is attached to a head portion 46 and a trunk portion 47 of a container body 42 using shrink pack. A trade mark representation 43 is displayed on a portion of the wrap film sheet 45 located on the head portion 46. Moreover an environmental protection mark 44 and an environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 50 are displayed on a portion of the wrap film sheet 45 located on the trunk portion 47.
The environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 50 is displayed sufficiently close to the environmental protection mark 44 as to not cause confusion with the company name and product origin indicated by the trade mark representation 43. Consequently, there is no recognition by the dealer/customer that the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation 50 is related to the source of the contents of the plastics container 31.
Next is a description of the plastics container collection system.
As shown in FIG. 7 and 8, normally, a plastics container manufactured by a plastics container manufacturer 61 is delivered to a contents manufacturer, for example a soft drink manufacturer 62, and then dispatched from the soft drink manufacturer 62 to a final store 63 via the distribution channel. The plastics container displayed on the counter of the store 63 is then purchased by a consumer 64. After the soft drink in the plastics container has been consumed, the remaining plastics container is collected. The plastics container is collected by the store 63 or a collector 65. There is also the case where the plastics container collected by the store 63 is collected by the soft drink manufacturer 62. The plastics container collected by the collector 65 is then collected by a local body 66 or a product reclaimer 67. These are one embodiment of the distribution paths for the plastics container.
Next is a description of an embodiment of the invention related to how to manage this collection system. FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram.
At first, an enterprise which endorses a project for promoting protection of a natural and beautiful environment by a plastics container collection system is enrolled from amongst enterprises which endorse the ideology of promoting environmental protection. This enterprise with an ideology which understands the collection system is then welcomed in as a sponsor. A representation denoting an environmental protection cooperation organisation is inserted near an environmental protection mark of the plastics container, as an advertisement for a principle undertaking of the sponsor. Furthermore as shown in FIG. 9, a system management undertaking body for managing the system, levies advertising rates (i) from the sponsors.
The system management undertaking body solicits cooperation of soft drink manufacturers and enterprises which endorse the environmental protection project. A request is then made to the enterprise which supports the cooperation to affix the beforementioned environmental protection mark to the plastics container which has been filled with soft drink manufactured by the company. The manufacturer which receives this request, for example company A, B or C then pays a fee (ii) and the actual expense for producing the environmental protection mark and the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation.
Next the system management undertaking body pays a fee (iii) to the governing organisation, the store, the collector etc. who are required to do the collecting.
The system management undertaking body further subtracts necessary funds (iv) apart from the expenses, and then donates a balance of account (v) = (i) - (ii) - (iii) - (iv) to the local body.
The raw materials or the funds for environmental protection support which have been donated to the local body in this way, can be effectively used as funds for environmental protection activities. By means of these funds for environmental protection activities, the local body can promote collection projects for not only plastics containers but also for other products. With the administration as described above, the local body supports the plastics container collection project. Hence environmental protection creative activities which are kind to the earth can be carried out, enabling the formation of living space amenable to general living as well as space for social activities.
The contents of the plastics container may, instead of soft drink, be a liquid such as an alcoholic liquor, or sauces or the like. The claims of the present invention are not limited by the contents of the plastics container.

Claims

A plastic container (1, 11, 21, 31, 41) comprising:

a cylindrically shaped closed base plastic container body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) having an opening (100);

a trade mark representation (3, 13, 23, 33, 43) affixed to a surface of the plastic container body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42);

an environmental protection mark (4, 14, 24, 34, 44) affixed to a surface of the plastic container body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42); and

an environmental protection cooperation organisation representation (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) displayed on a surface of the plastic container body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) in the vicinity of the environmental protection mark (4, 14, 24, 34, 44).
The container according to claim 1,
wherein the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) is displayed sufficiently close to the environmental protection mark (4, 14, 24, 34, 44) as not to cause confusion with the trade mark representation (3, 13, 23, 33, 43) indicating the content of the plastic container (1, 11, 21, 31, 41) and a product origin representation.
The container according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the plastic container body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) has a head portion (6, 16, 26, 36, 46), a trunk portion (7, 17, 27, 37, 47), and a recess portion (8) formed between the head portion (6, 16, 26, 36, 46) and the trunk portion (7, 17, 27, 37, 47),
wherein the trade mark representation (3, 13, 23, 33, 43) is affixed to a surface of the head portion (6, 16, 26, 36, 46), and the environmental protection mark (4, 14, 24, 34, 44) together with the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) are affixed to a surface of the trunk portion (7, 17, 27, 37, 47).
The container according to any of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the trade mark representation (3, 13, 23, 33, 43), the environmental protection mark (4, 14, 24, 34, 44) and the environmental protection cooperation organisation representation (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) are affixed in mutual relationship at different diametric directions relative to a central axis of the plastic container (1, 11, 21, 31, 41) at positions displaced from each other when viewed from the side.
The container according to any of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the plastic container body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) comprises polyethylene terephthalate.
A plastic container collection system,
comprising the following steps:

a step of manufacturing a plastic container body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42);

a step of enclosing content in the plastic container body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42);

a step of transporting a plastic container (1, 11, 21, 31, 41) as disclosed in any of claims 1 to 5 and in which the content has been enclosed to a consumer;

a step of collecting a plastic container body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42) the content of which has been consumed by a consumer, and

a step of reclaiming the collected plastic container body (2, 12, 22, 32, 42).