The agreement means that WRAP will support Britvic’s research into reducing packaging and increasing the amount of recycled materials the company uses. In turn, Britvic will help WRAP achieve its objectives to:

• design out packaging waste growth by 2008
• deliver absolute reductions in packaging waste by 2010
• identify ways to tackle the problem of food waste.

All packaging of Britvic’s products is fully recyclable and the amount of raw materials to make glass bottles, PET and cans has been reduced in recent years, meaning 11,000 tonnes of packaging being saved from adding to landfill. By joining WRAP and signing the Courtauld Commitment, Britvic plans more innovation in this important area, giving it even greater focus, with the potential for some joint ‘environmentally friendly’ work with grocery customers too.

J20 has been the first focus of Britvic’s packaging reduction programme, with the company looking to further reduce the weight of its glass from 200grammes. The glass used for J20 has already been reduced by 11.5%, but what WRAP will provide extra insights and help with research into further reductions.

Britvic’s chief executive, Paul Moody, said: “Britvic is delighted to be the first soft drinks company to sign the Courtauld Commitment with WRAP. WRAP’s objectives clearly align with Britvic’s packaging innovation strategy. Consumers are looking for more and more ways to reduce waste to landfill and this is an important issue for us as manufacturers – allowing us to make a difference.”