The climate crisis is the biggest threat facing the world today. In order to prevent irreversible damage, impactful action is needed. Exactly the type of action that we outlined in our shortlisted submission to the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) sustainable packaging initiative award.
Single use plastic has been identified as a key area where industry habits must change to limit its negative impact. As a founding signatory of The UK Plastics Pact, Britvic has made clear its commitment to reducing unnecessary plastic packaging. While virgin, single use plastic is a strain on the environment, recycled plastic (rPET) provides a more sustainable option.
In 2020, we announced our intention to move all GB made bottles to 100% rPET by 2022.However, the current British recycling infrastructure places limitations on these ambitions.
To combat this, in 2019, we provided £5m of investment support to Esterform Packaging Ltd to support the domestic production of rPET in the UK. Today we are seeing the benefits of that investment. Most recently, Robinsons ‘Ready to Drink’, Lipton Ice Tea and drench moved their 500ml bottles to 100% rPET from Esterform.
This deal provides Britvic with a secure, long-term supply of UK-sourced rPET, allowing us to continue to reduce our use of virgin plastic and increase our rPET packaging, protecting the environment as we reimagine packaging to create a better tomorrow. This investment support will ensure that Britvic products can meet the quality and quantity needs of its customers while also reducing plastic waste in the UK.
At the Food and Drink Federation awards in September, the hard work and dedication of all of those who have worked tirelessly to see this ambitious project realised will be recognised.
While there is still much more to be done in the fight for a sustainable future, Britvic can and should be proud of the impactful action it is taking to combat the climate crisis.
Sarah Webster - Director of Sustainable Business