Technological watch

body.single-projects .post-content :not(p) img, body.single-post .post-content :not(p) img { display: none; } British soft drinks producer Britvic has entered a long-term recycled plastic supply (rPET) agreement with injection moulded polyethene terephthalate (PET) preforms producer Esterform Packaging.According to the agreement, Esterform will serve as Britvic’s preferred supplier of rPET in the UK and Ireland.The soft drinks manufacturer will invest £5m to support the building of new rPET manufacturing facilities at Esterform’s site in Sherburn, Elmet, UK.Powered by renewable energy, Esterform’s new manufacturing technology is scheduled to become operational during the fourth quarter of 2020. Britvic Group Sustainability director Trystan Farnworth said: “At Britvic, we are committed to making a positive difference to the world around us and our partnership with Esterform is another important step forward for our business and our efforts to reduce the environmental impacts of plastic waste.
“It provides us with a secure supply of rPET at a time when the resource is scarce in the UK while sourcing it from this country rather than abroad has clear benefits for our carbon footprint.”The deal between Britvic and Esterform will help to create a circular economy in the country.As a founding signatory of the UK Plastics Pact, Britvic is committed to using sustainable packaging and reducing waste. In line with its strategy, the company seeks to decrease virgin PET use and increase rPET levels in its packaging.Britvic has eliminated over 1,400t of primary plastic since 2017. The company’s PET bottles, glass bottles and cans are 100% recyclable.