The new technology, BP Infinia, means opaque and difficult to recycle PET plastic waste can be made into new plastic again and again, with no loss of quality. BP will invest $25 million in the new technology and Britvic will contribute to the creation of a practical business model to ‘ensure’ its successful adoption.
Trystan Farnworth, director of sustainability at Britvic, said: “To truly reinvent Britvic’s packaging, we must innovate with new low-impact packaging. This consortium is a cornerstone to delivering that pledge.
“A challenge in creating a truly circular economy for PET is the fact that, as it stands, it is not infinitely recyclable. We have to solve this to become truly circular – it is not an option.
“That’s why we are excited to announce our active role in the consortium, collaborating to achieve a circularity breakthrough for the benefit of all our stakeholders.”
Britvic will be joining forces with packaging and recycling specialist ALPLA, consumer goods producers Danone, Unilever, waste management specialist Remondis and petrochemicals producer BP.
Since 2017 Britvic has removed more than 1,500 tonnes of plastic from its supply chain, removed 100% of its plastic bottles and the company is a founding signatory of The UK Plastics Pact.
Last month Britvic entered an agreement with Esterform to invest £5 million into the construction of new recycling facilities in the UK. The deal with Esterform will enable Britvic access to locally sourced rPET.
Britvic joined more than 310 companies worldwide who agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions on a large scale. They are aiming to help prevent global temperatures rising by more than 1.5°C.