The 500ml on-the-go bottles have been developed using recycled plastic from a new rPET manufacturing facility built by Esterform Packaging in North Yorkshire
Britvic to use rPET bottles for Robinsons, Lipton Ice Tea and drench products. (Credit: Britvic PLC)
UK-based soft drinks producer Britvic has announced the launch of Robinsons, Lipton Ice Tea and drench beverage products in 100% recycled plastic (rPET) bottles.
The 500ml on-the-go bottles have been developed using recycled plastic from a new rPET manufacturing facility built by Esterform Packaging in North Yorkshire.
Esterform Packaging had constructed the rPET manufacturing facility following Britvic’s £5m investment support in 2019.
The facility, which uses 100% renewable energy, continues to supply food-grade rPET to Britvic in the UK.
Esterform managing director Mark Tyne said: “Our £20 million project to produce 42,000 tonnes of recycled food-grade PET could not have got off the ground without Britvic’s support and we look forward to working together to roll out recycled PET usage across Britvic’s portfolio.”
Britvic is said that it will save 1,354 tonnes of virgin plastic per annum by replacing Robinsons, Lipton Ice Tea and drench 500ml bottles with rPET bottles.
It is additional to the 1,900 tonnes already saved by the company with Ballygowan Mineral Water and Fruit Shoot Hydro through using rPET bottles.
Britvic stated that the move marks the latest milestone in the firm’s Healthier People, Healthier Planet sustainability strategy and takes the company closer to its aim of moving all GB-made bottles to 100% rPET by the end of 2022.
Britvic sustainable business director Sarah Webster said: “We are extremely proud and excited to see the first use of Esterpet in our iconic brands as they make the move to 100% rPET.
“It’s a fantastic example of the progress made in the facility with Britvic’s investment support and the first in a series of changes using Esterpet packaging as we continue our journey to fulfil our rPET commitment.”
Esterform Packaging, which is the UK’s independent converter of PET, has been supplying Britvic for more than 15 years.