Trials aimed at encouraging the use of recycled PET in retail packaging will begin in the UK this year. Major brands and retailers including Coca-Cola, Marks & Spencer and Boots are backing the project, which is being funded by the Waste & Action Resources Programme (Wrap). Over 2,000 tonnes of rPET will be used in the trials, which will address consumer and industry perceptions, technical performance and cost implications. Wrap said the research should lead to a direct increase in the amount of rPET used in the UK and encourage recovery of used packaging. Two of the three trials involve food and beverage packaging. Coca-Cola will use rPET for bottling soft drinks in a six-month trial, during which time the products will be on national distribution.
