The soft drinks sector uses a variety of different packaging formats. The main types are listed below:
Glass
Glass is the oldest type of packaging for soft drinks, fruit juices and waters. The advantage of glass packaging is that it is chemically inert and will not affect quality, odour or taste of product. It is strong, rigid and 100% recyclable.
Plastic (mainly polyethylene terephthalate)
PET is a popular choice for packaging because it is lightweight, flexible and recyclable. It can be used for both still and carbonated products.
Cans
Cans, including aluminium and steel, are mainly used for carbonated drinks. They are 100% recyclable and lightweight. Using recycled aluminium to make a new can saves 95% of the energy that would be needed to make a can from virgin materials.
Cartons
Cartons are a major packaging format for still drinks and fruit juices. They protect the freshness, flavours and nutritional qualities of both fresh and long-life drink products, enabling distribution at ambient temperatures or under refrigerated conditions. They are made from natural renewable resources, are low carbon and now 91% of UK Local Authorities recycle cartons.