Croxsons brings PVC-free food closures to UK under PANO deal

UK – Croxsons has secured exclusive UK distribution rights for PANO Verschluss’s BLUESEAL PVC-free twist-off caps, giving British food manufacturers access to closures designed to prevent unwanted substances migrating into food.

Under the agreement, Croxsons will incorporate the German-made closures into its existing range of glass food jars. 

The deal targets food manufacturers seeking alternatives to conventional PVC-lined lids, which have drawn regulatory scrutiny over potential chemical transfer into packaged products.

The closures carry an independently verified sustainability credential, distinguishing them from standard market offerings.

Heritage Firms Align on Safety and Sustainability

Tim Croxson, chief executive of Croxsons, said the company was delighted that two heritage family businesses with more than 250 years of combined packaging expertise between them, and which were completely aligned on sustainability and safety, had come together to bring proven PVC-free technology to the UK market. 

He added that Croxsons looked forward to introducing the closures across its jars as part of an ongoing commitment to quality, performance and packaging safety, while giving customers reassurance of enhanced food safety combined with a demonstrable sustainability journey.

Renewable Energy Cuts Closure Carbon Footprint

The closures are manufactured using 100% renewable energy, following a transition in 2020 from gas-fired thermal drying to induction and UV processes. 

That change delivered an 81% reduction in carbon dioxide per closure in 2025 compared with 2011 levels. 

PANO has also produced verified product carbon footprint data for individual closures, which customers can incorporate into their own supply chain reporting. 

This data capability supports brand owners facing tightening disclosure requirements across European markets.

Blue Ring Signals Consumer-Facing Safety Standard

The blue ring, used in Germany as a consumer-facing food safety symbol, was created after major retailers called for PVC-free closures for own-label food products. 

PANO produces more than one billion closures annually across 12 sizes. 

The products suit cold filling, hot filling and pasteurisation up to 95 degrees Celsius, as well as sterilisation up to 121 degrees Celsius, covering a broad range of preservation methods used in jams, sauces, preserves and prepared foods.

Partnership Framed Around Shared Values

Thomas Stock, chief executive of PANO Verschluss, said his company believed true innovation was driven by strong partnerships based on shared values. 

He expressed excitement about working with Croxsons, whose commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation made them the ideal partner to help shape the future of PVC-free closures. 

Stock added that the companies looked forward to combining their strengths to create sustainable value for customers and the wider industry.

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