Co-op Turns to rPET with Silver Spring

rPET bottles are made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles saved by consumers for recycling. The bottles are cut into small pieces at recycling centres, washed and then melted into plastic granules ready to be made back into plastic bottles.

22/07/08 The Co-operative Group has become the first UK retailer to roll out 100% recycled PET (rPET) plastic bottles across its entire range of own-brand carbonated soft drinks and mixers, thanks to the Silver Spring Mineral Water Co of Kent, the county’s oldest drinks manufacturer, which produces the Co-op drinks.

The move to 100% rPET plastic bottles for these drinks, as well as the retailer’s own-brand 330ml sportscap juice drinks, will reduce CO2 emissions by 1,212 tons and save 808 tons of new plastic per year – equivalent to the weight of 180 African elephants.

rPET bottles are made from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles saved by consumers for recycling. The bottles are cut into small pieces at recycling centres, washed and then melted into plastic granules ready to be made back into plastic bottles.

As well as being made from recycled plastic, the bottles are fully recyclable and can be collected and recycled alongside regular PET bottles.

David Hanlon, Operations Director at Silver Spring, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be working in partnership with the Co-operative Group to bring rPET bottles to market before its competitors.

“There is a great deal of enthusiasm from consumers and retailers for a greener product, and Silver Spring with its state-of-the-art manufacturing and bottling plant is well placed to deliver this.

“Silver Spring has strong relationships with suppliers of rPET, and is easily able to meet the high demand for it from its customers.”