UK

The expansion comes as EPR regulations reshape the economics of packaging across the UK, accelerating the shift away from plastic and driving brands to seek reliable domestic alternatives at pace.

The company will roll out reformulated products in phases through December 2027.

Warren Beard, managing director of Connect Print, explained that the partnership strengthens the company’s ability to deliver reliable, commercially sound solutions without changing who they are.

Returnable bottles designed for carbonated beverages are engineered to withstand internal pressure from dissolved CO₂, requiring thicker walls and heavier weights.

Smurfit Westrock’s paper-based alternative offers comparable thermal performance without the environmental persistence of plastic foam.

COtooCLEAN uses supercritical CO₂, carbon dioxide at a temperature and pressure where it behaves as both a liquid and a gas, to penetrate the plastic matrix and extract contaminants at a molecular level.

The UK’s ban on expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS) single-use foodservice packaging, which took effect in October 2023, left a gap in the market for large-portion food-to-go containers that can withstand hot, oily, saucy foods.

Polytag’s UV tags are printed onto packaging labels using standard processes, then detected by optical sorting equipment at recycling facilities.

Taylor expressed enthusiasm about building on the foundation already in place, working closely with teams across the UK and Ireland to support customers’ growth and ensure VPK continues to be a trusted partner for the long term.

Croxsons’ 30 percent reduction in the Apollo bottle could translate to estimated emissions savings of 15 to 21 percent compared to the previous design.