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Why Deoleo Bottled its Olive Oil in Blue: Packaging World · Through the Line: Packaging and Processing

• 0:03
  SPEAKER_02: Welcome to Through the Line, the podcast exploring innovations and information across the packaging and processing landscape.
• 0:11
  SPEAKER_02: From topics impacting consumer packaged goods and healthcare packaging to the latest technologies in food processing operations.
• 0:21
  SPEAKER_03: This is Anne-Marie Mohan, Senior Editor with Packaging World.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_03: In this podcast, I speak with Danielle Pucci, Global RD packaging manager for global olive oil producer Diolio, who joined me from Italy, and Jose Banache, Corporate Affairs and Communications Director for the company, who joined me from Spain.
• 0:43
  SPEAKER_03: The discussion focuses on Diolio's approach to packaging innovation, sustainability, and product protection.
• 0:50
  SPEAKER_03: We begin with Pucci explaining what his RD packaging team does and how it contributes to the company's innovation process.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_00: So right now my team consists in three people: me, Alberto Lanti, who works here with me in Tavernelle, in the neighboring of Florence, and Joaquim Milian, who works in Alcolea, so in the neighboring of Córdoba, south of Spain, in which we have the two-factory plant of production.
• 1:17
  SPEAKER_00: What do we do in few works in our department?
• 1:20
  SPEAKER_00: We are involved from the very beginning in all the innovation process, and we daily keep updated, and we are the owners of our packaging and product specification.
• 1:31
  SPEAKER_00: And personally, as Jose said before, I'm one of the members of the OLED sustainability team, which sits periodically in order to monitor the KPIs and assesses sustainability action plan.
• 1:45
  SPEAKER_00: So the company has two production factories, Access Plain and Jose.
• 1:49
  SPEAKER_00: More or less, this is who I am and what we do.
• 1:53
  SPEAKER_04: Okay, perfect.
• 1:55
  SPEAKER_04: I was looking over the your 2025 sustainability report, and it sounds like you have a specific circular economy criteria that guides the RD for your packaging decisions.
• 2:10
  SPEAKER_04: And I'm wondering what that framework looks like when your team is evaluating a new bottle, a cap, or a label design, and how that criteria came about.
• 2:21
  SPEAKER_00: So, well, actually, we evaluate every new packaging development through a circular economy lens, I will say, from the very beginning.
• 2:30
  SPEAKER_00: So, what are the main aspects we we consider?
• 2:33
  SPEAKER_00: The first one is the recyclability.
• 2:35
  SPEAKER_00: So whether the packaging can be effectively collected, sorted, and recycled within the existing infrastructure depending on the country in which it will be disposed.
• 2:47
  SPEAKER_00: And second one is material reduction.
• 2:50
  SPEAKER_00: So can we achieve the same performances with less material?
• 2:54
  SPEAKER_00: So reducing the amount of material.
• 2:57
  SPEAKER_00: Third one is the use of recycled content.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: So can we maximize in our product the post-consumer recycled materials without compromising at the same time the product quality or food safety?
• 3:12
  SPEAKER_00: And now we are targeting the monomaterial inclusion design.
• 3:16
  SPEAKER_00: So can we simplify the material structure in order to improve the recycling outcomes?
• 3:22
  SPEAKER_00: And last but not least, the product protection.
• 3:25
  SPEAKER_00: So does the solution, the new solution of packaging, maintain olive oil quality and shelf life during the whole shelf life, during the throughout the whole life cycle, I would say.
• 3:37
  SPEAKER_00: So RD job may be quite complex since we have we almost we always must find the right balance between sustainability, functionality, consumer experience, and food protection at the same time.
• 3:51
  SPEAKER_04: Okay.
• 3:52
  SPEAKER_04: Do you have some sort of framework that your RD engineers go through or material scientists go through when they're evaluating these a new component for some of these features that you're trying to achieve?
• 4:10
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, we uh that we use external laboratories, for example, in order to study about the new materials.
• 4:16
  SPEAKER_00: We conduct, for example, migration analysis, performance tests, mechanical, for instance.
• 4:21
  SPEAKER_00: And uh we have some instruments here inside in our plans, but we are we are using also external laboratories and external experts in order to help us for the new development, new implementations.
• 4:34
  SPEAKER_01: There is an example that I want to mention that Danila for sure you can explain more.
• 4:37
  SPEAKER_01: Is recently we have a study uh with a bottle, a blue bottle, to protect for the light the olive oil.
• 4:44
  SPEAKER_01: So it's something so innovation, and this coming from the study that we have in the University of Pulia to after months of study, what is the effect of the light on the olive oil and what is the best way to protect?
• 4:56
  SPEAKER_01: And we discovered that the blue glass is much better than the green glass or dark glass.
• 5:00
  SPEAKER_01: And we are doing with Carapella in Italy this innovation.
• 5:03
  SPEAKER_01: I don't know, Danielle, if you can explain more, but it's a good idea.
• 5:05
  SPEAKER_00: Yes, it's a kind of yeah, it's a kind of collaboration we had two years ago with the University of Perugia here in Italy, and we discovered that thanks to this study, the blue color tends to absorb better the light exposure than the darker colors for green, for example.
• 5:22
  SPEAKER_00: So that's why we have launched last year a new bottle in blue color, uh, which tends to protect better the boat from the light exposure than uh the, for example, the the dark green uh or other colors we are currently using.
• 5:36
  SPEAKER_04: That's interesting.
• 5:37
  SPEAKER_04: I wonder with consumers, did you have to educate them on the fact that this blue bottle protects the product better?
• 5:45
  SPEAKER_04: Because I would imagine green is so well associated with olive oil, that would seem like quite a big change.
• 5:53
  SPEAKER_01: But you're right, Anna.
• 5:54
  SPEAKER_01: When you saw when you are in the supermarket in Italy or in France, when we introduced this blue bottle, it's shocking because it's the first time.
• 6:02
  SPEAKER_01: So we need to understand, we need to share with them and explain what is the reason.
• 6:08
  SPEAKER_01: Level up the value of the olive oil.
• 6:10
  SPEAKER_01: So it's like increase the proposition for the consumers that cost time because we want to and share with the media and others to explain why the reason for blue when the category is very traditional category, as you mentioned.
• 6:23
  SPEAKER_01: So innovation for us is critical.
• 6:26
  SPEAKER_01: Innovation and to try to transform the sector is critical.
• 6:29
  SPEAKER_01: Doing something new to give the olive oil this value of the itself and the brands to support this innovation is so important.
• 6:38
  SPEAKER_01: That's the reason we are doing.
• 6:40
  SPEAKER_01: We don't know what's going on because we don't know it's an interest in innovation after two years.
• 6:44
  SPEAKER_01: We are introducing it in some markets, but we are looking forward to the reaction of the consumer to see if they understand, and it's part of our role to do get as Danielle mentioned before.
• 6:53
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, the transition from multimaterial to monomaterial packaging is not something we have already completed across our portfolio, but it's one of our main priorities for the current and coming years.
• 7:06
  SPEAKER_00: So the goal is really simple.
• 7:08
  SPEAKER_00: In any case, is to simplify the recycling, so according to the existing processes.
• 7:14
  SPEAKER_00: So if you agree, I'm going to drop three examples of packaging materials we are working on.
• 7:19
  SPEAKER_00: The first one is the spray container.
• 7:22
  SPEAKER_00: So some of these containers currently use an aluminum container outside, combined with a multi-layer with multi-components internal pouch inside.
• 7:33
  SPEAKER_00: So an inner bag in multi-layer components.
• 7:36
  SPEAKER_00: That's why this solution in terms of recyclability is not the best option.
• 7:41
  SPEAKER_00: So we are evaluating right now alternative solutions based on PET containers, so and monomaterial plastic pouches inside.
• 7:51
  SPEAKER_00: So in order to simplify the structure of the material and to be more compatible with existing recycling streams.
• 7:59
  SPEAKER_00: So another example of multimaterial multi-component uh we are currently using in our packaging portfolio is the flexible packaging formats.
• 8:08
  SPEAKER_00: For example, sachets or doi packs or spout backs and so on and so forth, which currently rely on multi-layer components.
• 8:17
  SPEAKER_00: And three third examples, I would put the plastic caps we are currently using in the pet bottles, because in any case, here we are using a combination of diphtheria plastics.
• 8:29
  SPEAKER_00: So in the cap is in HDPE, so high density polyethylene, and the pooler in LDPE, so low density polyethylene.
• 8:37
  SPEAKER_00: We have a combination of polypropylene for the cap and the LDP for the pooler in any case.
• 8:43
  SPEAKER_00: But I think we we can improve this kind of packaging format, and that's why we are studying prototype solutions in order to move toward a single piece monomaterial closure, following the same design philosophy that has driven the development of red caps in the beverage industry, for example.
• 9:01
  SPEAKER_00: So, but in conclusion, I think the most challenging project is for spray and flexible packaging.
• 9:08
  SPEAKER_00: So all the multimaterials, multi-component packaging designs, where product protection is critical, is a must-have.
• 9:17
  SPEAKER_00: So any material change must ensure that the new packaging, even if monomaterial or multimaterial, keeps on delivering the same level of barrier performance and stability to preserve the product quality during the war life cycle.
• 9:32
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah.
• 9:32
  SPEAKER_04: Okay.
• 9:33
  SPEAKER_04: I can see how challenging this could get very quickly because of all the markets you serve and the different recycling requirements or capabilities.
• 9:45
  SPEAKER_04: Even in the US, we have I don't know how many different MERFs that all accept different materials.
• 9:51
  SPEAKER_04: Is there kind of a baseline or somewhere you start where we can say that this will be recyclable in most of the markets that we serve?
• 10:00
  SPEAKER_04: Is there going to monomaterial for multimaterial?
• 10:05
  SPEAKER_04: Sounds like no matter where you go, that's going to be helpful.
• 10:10
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, the different markets, different materials have different requirements.
• 10:14
  SPEAKER_00: So the the first step is to understand the full landscape of requirements.
• 10:19
  SPEAKER_00: That's not easy at all.
• 10:21
  SPEAKER_00: And we have a regulatory department that works daily and hourly on that, supported by other departments like RD, procurement, marketing, commercial teams, and also external entities as industry associations, experts, and so on and so forth.
• 10:40
  SPEAKER_00: So every just everything just said because regulation changes daily and it evolves quickly, and continuous surveillance, I think is the key point.
• 10:50
  SPEAKER_00: For example, in UHS, you have mentioned new regulations such as the new California SB343, which is getting enforced in October 2026.
• 10:59
  SPEAKER_00: But in Europe we have the PPWR requirements this year.
• 11:03
  SPEAKER_00: So the EPR obligations, European Union recyclability criteria, a lot of things at the same time.
• 11:11
  SPEAKER_00: So our process is to map all the requirements, and our goal is to try to develop the most globally complied packaging solution possible.
• 11:21
  SPEAKER_00: However, we are fully aware that some local requirements cannot always be fully harmonized.
• 11:27
  SPEAKER_00: And in those cases, we try to build flexibility into the packaging, increasing the number of variants or references in order to match the market and the country requirements.
• 11:40
  SPEAKER_00: But it's always a following step because the first approach is to reduce as much as possible the complexity.
• 11:47
  SPEAKER_01: And one important thing to mention, Amory, to build on Daniele, is we want to go always go one step ahead.
• 11:55
  SPEAKER_01: Regulation is the minimum for us, but as a company, as I mentioned before, and our easiest day, we are looking for this innovation that gives us some recognition for the consumers.
• 12:04
  SPEAKER_01: And we try to, with Sprise, Andres Andrés bottle from the always try to do much better than the regulation because that's the best way to adapt to the regulation, going as one ahead before that the relation comes.
• 12:18
  SPEAKER_01: That's part of our strategy and the mentality of the group.
• 12:21
  SPEAKER_04: Okay.
• 12:22
  SPEAKER_04: That's excellent advice rather than falling behind or trying to catch up to be on top of things and even ahead of regulations.
• 12:30
  SPEAKER_04: So another area that you've been working on, I understand, is using recycled PET.
• 12:37
  SPEAKER_04: And I understand that you hit 40% RPET five years ahead of your 2030 target.
• 12:44
  SPEAKER_04: Your report notes that this is being progressively extended to some of your other lines like seed oils.
• 12:51
  SPEAKER_04: And I'm wondering what's setting the pace of that?
• 12:54
  SPEAKER_04: Is it looking at the PCR supply?
• 12:57
  SPEAKER_04: Is it cost?
• 12:58
  SPEAKER_04: Is it how well that recycled material works for a product in terms of quality?
• 13:05
  SPEAKER_04: What do you look at when you're making a change and putting more RPAD into a package?
• 13:12
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, I will start saying that reaching 40% recycled PT before 2030 is a great success.
• 13:19
  SPEAKER_00: That was our initial objective for 2030.
• 13:22
  SPEAKER_00: And it's the result of a strong collaboration across different departments.
• 13:26
  SPEAKER_00: So procurement, RD, operation suppliers, and so on and so forth.
• 13:31
  SPEAKER_00: So the pace of the dispension depends on several factors.
• 13:35
  SPEAKER_00: I will drop three of the most significant ones.
• 13:37
  SPEAKER_00: So the first one is the availability of food-grade PCR resin in the market, depending on the recycling process in the different countries.
• 13:46
  SPEAKER_00: And the second one, I think, is the packaging performance that's strictly related to the resin quality, which depends on, above all, on the available technologies.
• 13:57
  SPEAKER_00: And the third one, the cost competitiveness of recycled PT compared to the division PT.
• 14:05
  SPEAKER_00: That's strongly linked to the geopolitical reasons, for example, global clump fix, and then crude oil price stance because virgin PT resin is derived from petrochemical resources.
• 14:18
  SPEAKER_00: So that's why the recent international conflicts has contributed to higher the oil, energy, and transportation costs, resulting in a significant increase in virgin PT prices.
• 14:29
  SPEAKER_00: On the other hand, the recycled PT limiting factors are mainly the quality, safety, and compliance throughout the wall shelf life of the product, because the barrier performance and the migration analysis needs to be repeated and validated, because the analysis on virgin PT is not enough.
• 14:49
  SPEAKER_00: We have to repeat the analysis on the recycled PT.
• 14:51
  SPEAKER_00: And the second point is the aesthetic that's really important because it plays an important role.
• 14:56
  SPEAKER_00: Because in recycled PT, the natural grayish tint or the darkened tone we have in a recycled PT is still not always well perceived by the consumers, which expect an agar transparency above all in seed oil products.
• 15:13
  SPEAKER_00: Despite all these factors, we are highly committed to increase the quantity step by step of recycled content inside our products.
• 15:21
  SPEAKER_00: And we are trying to work alongside our customers and consumers, making them more conscious about all the advantages of recycled PT increasing our packaging portfolio, above all under an environmental point of view.
• 15:36
  SPEAKER_01: But for the consumer, it's uh shocking.
• 15:38
  SPEAKER_01: So that's the way that we need to educate the consumer because this is a category with a more always focus on some colors and some drivers.
• 15:46
  SPEAKER_01: So this is total innovation that for sure for the future we'll see, but it's totally disruptive.
• 15:52
  SPEAKER_04: Yes, absolutely.
• 15:54
  SPEAKER_04: That's fascinating.
• 15:55
  SPEAKER_04: I'm wondering what is it about the blue that makes it more that helps protect the olive oil better?
• 16:02
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, because it's it's a chemical explication.
• 16:05
  SPEAKER_00: So the chlorophyll absorbs the the wavelength of blue.
• 16:10
  SPEAKER_00: So if you use the blue, the chlorose can be preserved and you have a the and you have less oxidation inside the extra regional olive oil.
• 16:19
  SPEAKER_00: So this is the chemical explication.
• 16:22
  SPEAKER_03: Okay.
• 16:23
  SPEAKER_00: Because the chlorophyll is the the the most present antioxidant compound inside the exavision olive oil.
• 16:29
  SPEAKER_00: And it also at the blue wavelength.
• 16:33
  SPEAKER_04: So blue is the new green.
• 16:35
  SPEAKER_00: Yeah, blue.
• 16:37
  SPEAKER_00: We'll see.
• 16:39
  SPEAKER_04: Excellent.
• 16:40
  SPEAKER_04: And you can use that if you want in your promotion.
• 16:43
  SPEAKER_00: And if you look at the bottle when it and if you look at the bottle when it's full, you cannot see the blue color.
• 16:48
  SPEAKER_00: But once you step by step you empty the bottle, you can see the the blue color on the top.
• 16:54
  SPEAKER_00: So it's really impressive.
• 16:56
  SPEAKER_04: Okay.
• 16:57
  SPEAKER_04: Wonderful.
• 16:58
  SPEAKER_04: Thank you so much.
• 16:58
  SPEAKER_04: Thank you very much.
• 16:59
  SPEAKER_04: Really appreciate it.
• 17:00
  SPEAKER_04: I hope you have a nice evening.
• 17:03
  SPEAKER_01: Thank you very much.
• 17:06
  SPEAKER_02: Thank you for listening to Through the Line Packaging and Processing.
• 17:10
  SPEAKER_02: You can listen to more episodes on all streaming platforms.
• 17:14
  SPEAKER_02: Be sure to visit us at packworld.com, profoodworld.com, and healthcarepackaging.com for more packaging and processing news.
• 17:23
  SPEAKER_02: This podcast was edited by Bree Guns.