July 2025 Vol 99 No 7 Incorporating Packaging Digest A Binsted Publication Experience the FIPAL range at Hall A6 Stand 322 Fruit Juice Filling Lines (x3), Liquid Process and Distribution System from CO RO Filling lines include: • Fruit juice glass bottle filling line, 12,000 bottles/hour capacity • PET bottle filling line, 6,500 bottles/hour capacity • HDPE bottle filling line, 1,100 bottles/hour capacity Other equipment includes: • Bertolaso MONOBLOCK 40.8 filling and capping machine • DAN Palletiser / Signode Lachenmeier HMF palletiser / wrapper system • Primodan 6-Head Filler • Cavagnino & Gatti and Krones labellers and more Above offered for sale as complete lines and as individual items. Offers invited for the 3x filling lines immediately for consideration. Locations: Frederikssund, Denmark Closing on 9th July For more information visit: www.allsurplus.com/coro Contact: Steve Tribe T: +44 (0) 7836 688 453 E: Steve.Tribe@LiquidityServices.com Energy savings and C0 2 reduction - a new sustainable approach to beverage processing at drinktec 2025 Hall B4 Stand 533 DNP Europa GmbH www.dnp.co.jp/eng/group/aseptic-systems/ AVAILABLE ONLINE | www.binstedgroup.com/IBP contents July 2025 Vol 99 No. 7 inside this issue news news 04-18 SIG Launches World’s-First Alu Layer-Free Full Barrier Solution world news 06 19-21 drinktec preview news 22-27 Reinventing the Six-Pack finance 14 28-29 world news Fadeplast Turned to SMI for the Production of Empty Bottles wines & spirits 30-34 20 buyers guide 35-42 drinktec preview Part One 22 wines & spirits Universal Solutions for a Flexible Future Machine Efficiency 30 Editorial editorial@binstedgroup.com Advertising adsales@binstedgroup.com Buyers Guides bg@binstedgroup.com Production & Design adcopy@binstedgroup.com Subscriptions Published by The Binsted Group Ltd. Worting House, Church Lane, Basingstoke, RG23 8PY United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1256 263762 www.binstedgroup.com Editor: Ed Binsted subs@binstedgroup.com This publication is covered by copyright. Accounts No part of this journal may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publishers. accounts@binstedgroup.com Subscription Rates UK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £65.00 Europe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £109.00 Rest of the World. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £140.00 IBP NEWS THE NEW INK FITS ALL BEVERAGE CONTAINERS MARKEM-IMAJE ANNOUNCE THE LAUNCH OF MB2253, A NEW BLACK MEK INK SPECIFICALLY FORMULATED FOR THE BEVERAGE MARKET. This innovative product meets industry regulations, ensuring safety and compliance for both producers and consumers. Designed for versatility, MB2253 excels in marking a wide variety of beverage substrates, including plastics, metals, glass, and returnable glass bottles. It provides durable codes with excellent adhesion. Moreover, it withstands extreme icy condensation and 4 water immersion, making it ideal for various beverage packaging environments. The standout features of MB2253 are its remarkable alkali solubility and its water resistance. These characteristics ensure that the ink matches the restrictive life cycle of returnable glass bottles. Safety is a top priority at Markem- Imaje. That’s why MB2253 is compliant with indirect food contact legislation, bringing peace of mind to end users and guaranteeing security for producers. Formulated and manufactured in a Grade A BRC Global Standard- certified plant, the ink is produced in accordance with the “EuPIA Guideline on Printing Inks applied to the non-food contact surface of food packaging materials and articles.” In addition, all materials used in MB2253 comply with: Swiss Ordinance 817.023.21 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with foodstuffs (version 2.1 of December 2020). FDA Title 21 CFR of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, which addresses ‘indirect’ food additives. MB2253 is available for use with a range of continuous inkjet printers, including the 9750, 9750+, 9750 Xp, 9750 Xp+ and 9712.  www.markem-imaje.com INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 drinktec 2025 Shaping the future together It’s important to look beyond the short term, which is why Krones is working on “Solutions beyond tomorrow”. Be it beverage and food production lines, digital services or plastics recycling: Krones’ innovative solutions combine superior performance with sustainability. krones.com IBP NEWS SIG LAUNCHES WORLD’S-FIRST ALU LAYER-FREE FULL BARRIER SOLUTION SIG, THE PIONEER OF ASEPTIC CARTON PACKAGING WITHOUT ALUMINIUM LAYER, ANNOUNCES THE COMMERCIAL LAUNCH OF ANOTHER INDUSTRY-FIRST: SIG TERRA ALU-FREE + FULL BARRIER FOR MULTI-SERVE ASEPTIC CARTONS. St Austell Brewery Re-Brand St Austell have undertaken this journey whilst always respecting and taking great pride in their rich history but also embracing a shared commitment to their ambitions for the future and the generations to come. The striking new visual identity draws inspiration from their heartland and 6 heritage. The iconic castle has been positively evolved, and they changed the distinctive black and gold into a more modern palette of deep blue inspired by the coastline and warm copper. The castle symbol (which first appeared as part of founder Walter Hicks’ family coat of arms) is the enduring emblem. The castle has been part of the St Austell Brewery branding Building on the success of this groundbreaking packaging material innovation in the field of single-serve cartons with over 300m packs sold in China since 2023 SIG is scaling up the world’s first, aluminium-layer-free full-barrier packaging material to multi-serve aseptic cartons and ready to provide it at scale to customers around the globe. The packaging structure for multi- serve cartons with no aluminium layer cuts the carbon footprint of SIG’s standard aseptic cartons by up to 61% when combined with forest- in some form since the 1950s. In the new evolved identity, the castle remains at the heart of the brand; it has been reworked in a more contemporary way and reproduced in copper a colour inspired by our natural surroundings and the brewing process. Today marks the digital rollout of our new branding. The physical branding will change over a planned INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 NEWS The packaging material offers the same full barrier protection as standard aseptic cartons and the same full shelf life of up to 12 months. It can seamlessly run on existing SIG carton filling lines with full performance including high-speed of up to 24,000 p.p.h. on SIG filling lines for small- size cartons and up to 15,000 p.p.h. on filling lines for multi-serve cartons with only minor, low-cost adaptations. The plug-and-play solution is enabling SIG customers worldwide to make use of the additional environmental benefits that come with the alu layer-free full barrier packaging material suitable for a wide range of beverages without compromising product quality or production performance. “At SIG, we are leading the industry transition to alu-layer-free aseptic carton packaging materials. With our full barrier material with no aluminium layer, we are offering a powerful differentiator and embodiment of sustainability in aseptic carton packaging, unlocking new opportunities for packaging sensitive product categories such as plant- based products, juices, and nutritional beverages. As a result, our SIG Terra portfolio now offers an aseptic carton solution without aluminium layer for all product categories we serve, without compromising on shelf life,” said Christoph Wegener, Chief Markets Officer at SIG. Decarbonizing the food and beverage industry is more important than ever. In aseptic cartons, an aluminium layer is traditionally used to protect food and beverage products from oxygen and light. Although aluminium accounts for just around 5% of a standard aseptic carton, it accounts for up to 25% of its carbon footprint in a full-barrier package. Removing the aluminium layer is a significant step in reducing the already low carbon footprint of standard SIG aseptic cartons even further and simplifies the packaging structure from three to just two main raw materials, thereby increasing the share of paper to over 80%. SIG is the pioneer in its industry and introduced a packaging material without an aluminium layer for aseptic cartons in 2010: SIG Terra Alu-free – developed for plain liquid dairy products. Drawing on its extensive knowledge and experience with alu- layer-free structures and building on the success of SIG Terra Alu-free, the company has continued to grow its aluminium-layer-free aseptic carton portfolio – with every solution reducing the already low carbon period of time and over several months and beyond. They want to manage the changeover sustainably through carefully phased implementation and a firm commitment to repurposing or recycling materials. Naturally, with over 160 pubs, and decades of signage and branded materials across the region, you’ll still see a lot of our previous look and signage for months (and years) to come. That’s due both to the sheer scale of the project and our continued commitment to sustainability. As such, they only update vehicles in the fleet when they are due for renewal, beer packaging when it runs out, and pub signage will only be replaced when necessary or as part of planned refurbishment work. based polymers. Made of more than 80% paper, the material simplifies the packaging structure to only two main raw materials, that can all be linked to renewable sources. Performance and Compatibility VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com footprint of standard SIG aseptic cartons even further. With SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier SIG expanded the alu layer-free options for wider use with oxygen-sensitive products such as fruit juices, nectars, flavoured milk or plant-based beverages. SIG aims to roll out SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier to all flagship aseptic carton formats, both small-size and multi-serve, suitable for all beverage and dairy categories step by step. Since launching the first alu-layer- free aseptic carton in 2010, SIG has sold over 4bn packs featuring no aluminium layer, including 300 million alu-free full-barrier cartons. These milestones reinforce SIG’s leadership in sustainable aseptic packaging. Gavin Steiner, Chief Technology Officer at SIG, said, “Sustainability is integral to our business, and we strive to create a regenerative food packaging system. Looking ahead, SIG plans to raise the paper content in its aseptic cartons to at least 90% including closures by 2030, with an interim target of 85% without closure this year further boosting renewability, lowering carbon footprints, and with the potential to streamline the recycling process for aseptic cartons, only requiring the separation of paperboard and polymers.”  www.sig.biz  +49 2462 790 BUYERS GUIDE ALL YEAR ROUND VISIBILITY UNDER YOUR PARTICULAR SECTION OF EXPERTISE Contact us on +44 (0)1256 263762 or bg@binstedgroup.com to discuss your requirements or for more information 7 29th-30th July 2025 The Annual BBI Drinks Competition allows producers of ales, lagers, ciders, waters, soft drinks, juices and other beverages to enter their products for blind tasting as is open to all UK and foreign producers, bottlers, multiple canners, packers and agents. With product classes and industry-recognised awards for winners it is an ideal platform to gain product distinction. A lEs , l AgErs , c idErs & A lcoholic d rinks W AtErs , s oft d rinks & J uicEs A1 W1 Spring Water Still Ales abv 1.5% - 3.9% A2 Ales abv 4.0% - 4.4% W2 Spring Water Sparkling A3 Ales abv 4.5% - 4.9% W3 Flavoured Water Fruit A4 Ales abv 5.0% - 5.9% W4 Flavoured Water Botanical/Herbal A5 Ales abv 6.0% - 7.4% W5 Flavoured Soft Drinks/Lemonade A6 Ales abv 7.5% and above W6 Premium/Adult Soft Drinks A7 IPA (India Pale Ale) abv 4.0% - 5.4% W7 Alcohol-Free Cocktails/Mocktails A8 IPA (India Pale Ale) abv 5.5% - 7.4% W8 Fruit Juices A9 Stout, Porter or Dark Ale abv 4.0% - 5.4% WP Packaging A10 Stout, Porter or Dark Ale abv 5.5% - 7.4% A11 Lagers abv 4.0% - 5.5% A12 Ciders abv 4.0% - 5.4% A13 Ciders abv 5.5% - 6.9% A14 Ciders abv 7.0% and above A15 Flavoured Ciders/Perry A16 Low Strength Ales abv 0.5% and below A17 Low Strength Ciders abv 0.5% and below AP Packaging Enter Online E n t r y closes 23rd July 2025 www.bbi.org.uk/enter P roduct E ntry First Blind Taste Entry £99 PLUS VAT Additional Blind Taste Entry £79 PER PRODUCT PLUS VAT E n t r y closes 23rd July 2025 Packaging Entry £50 PER PRODUCT PLUS VAT We wish to enter the BBI Drinks Competition being held on 29th-30th July 2025 in the following classes: CLASS PRODUCT NAME FEE £ £ First product £99 £ Additional entry £79 £ £ £ £ £ £ Judging takes place from 29th-30th July 2025. We must receive three bottles/cans for each product entered which must be fully dressed with all labels, crown caps, etc as we will organise the blanking for entry. Please ensure your entries are delivered to the BBI between 21st-24th July 2025. For competition entry guidelines please visit www.bbi.org.uk/compguide Subtotal £ VAT @ 20% £ TOTAL £ Company Name and Address: __________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________ Tel: _____________________________________________________  Payment Enclosed  Please invoice me quoting order no: _____________________________________________________ I/We accept and agree to abide by the rules and conditions of the competition and the decision of the judges. Full rules, terms and conditions are available at www.bbi.org.uk/compterms Contact Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature: __________________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________ PLEASE RETURN YOUR ENTRY FORM BY WEDNESDAY 23RD JULY 2025 British Bottlers’ Institute (BBI), 4 St Patricks Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 6DN, UK  info@bbi.org.uk  +44 (0)1256 263762  www.bbi.org.uk Enter Online www.bbi.org.uk/enter IBP NEWS How Remote Monitoring and AI are Transforming Water Treatment for Sustainable Manufacturing By Chris Payne, Co-founder & Director of PureTec Separations Ltd As packaging output increases to meet rising demand, so too does water use. For bottlers and beverage producers, this creates a growing challenge: how to scale up sustainably while keeping resource use, and costs, under control. Water is essential across the line, from ingredient processing and CIP (clean- in-place) systems to rinsing, cooling and packaging operations. Managing it efficiently is more than a back-of-house concern, it’s a strategic imperative and opportunity for improvement. That’s where remote monitoring and AI come into their own, delivering unparalleled control and insight into your water treatment processes, while supporting key sustainability targets. These tools not only optimise plant performance but also underpin two vital strategies for long-term success: water efficiency, and proactive maintenance and refurbishment. That’s why water efficiency is commonly measured by the water:product ratio: a simple but powerful metric for sustainability in F&B. The goal? To reduce the volume of water used per unit produced, cut waste, and manage effluent responsibly. However, reaching and maintaining an optimal water:product ratio is complex, especially across high-throughput, multi-stream operations. Even small inefficiencies can escalate quickly if left unmonitored. This is where AI and remote monitoring can unlock huge advantages. They offer real-time visibility, early warning systems, and trend tracking that allows plants to move from reactive fixes to predictive, preventative strategies, helping you maintain optimal efficiency 24/7. The Packaging-Water Link: More Volume, More Pressure Modern water treatment systems generate huge volumes of data, but without the right tools, that data often goes unused and under utilised. Remote monitoring changes that by capturing live performance metrics across your treatment systems: flow rates, pressures, pump loads, membrane status, and more. At PureTec Separations, we support manufacturers with AI- enhanced trending and normalisation programmes. These tools analyse current performance against historical benchmarks, flagging potential issues before they impact efficiency. Whether it’s a clogged filter or a gradual drop in RO system performance, AI ensures you can act early. This level of control supports continuous improvement, reduces waste, and extends the working life of your equipment. It also makes it easier to plan Water use is intrinsically tied to product output. More bottles mean more water – whether it’s for washing, blending, cleaning or chilling. 10 How Remote Monitoring and AI Improve Control and Insight interventions during low-demand periods, minimising disruption, saving costs and ensuring production continuity. Water Efficiency: A Core Pillar of Sustainable Manufacturing Remote monitoring and AI are more than just operational upgrades, they’re enablers of sustainable manufacturing goals. Water efficiency in particular supports several strategic outcomes: Reducing environmental impact: Less effluent means less pollution and reduced strain on ecosystems. Lower water volumes also require less energy to pump, heat, and treat, cutting carbon emissions. Conserving resources: With aquifer levels falling in parts of the UK due to borehole over-extraction, reducing freshwater demand is increasingly urgent. Optimising the product cycle: Lower water use means lower incoming water costs, reduced treatment requirements, and improved profitability – a win-win. Driving energy efficiency: High-efficiency technologies like PureTec’s Ecosoft range reduce treatment time and power use. Enabling circular systems: Where feasible, remote monitoring supports closed-loop approaches such as Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) by recycling water, recovering resources, and eliminating discharge altogether. Why Maintenance and Refurbishment Still Matter Even with the smartest systems, physical components wear over time. Filters clog, membranes foul, and pumps degrade, all of which compromise performance. Without regular attention, these issues silently increase energy consumption and water rejection rates, undermining sustainability efforts. That’s why comprehensive maintenance and timely refurbishment INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 NEWS remain essential. By combining proactive monitoring with scheduled servicing, businesses can extend the life of existing systems, avoid costly downtime, and maintain compliance with increasingly strict discharge regulations. But technology alone isn’t enough. The most effective maintenance strategies pair remote insight with hands-on experience. At PureTec, our team of specialist engineers work closely with clients to interpret monitoring data, identify root causes of performance issues, and carry out precision refurbishments that maximise ROI. It’s this blend of digital capability and human expertise that enables long-term reliability and keeps water treatment systems running at their best. Refurbishment is also a powerful alternative to capital replacement. Upgrading control systems, replacing worn membranes, or retrofitting energy-efficient components can dramatically improve performance at a fraction of the environmental and financial cost of a full system replacement. Looking Forward: Future-Ready Production The pressures on water use in packaging and bottling are only set to grow, whether through tighter regulation, ESG commitments, or rising energy costs. Fortunately, the tools now exist to tackle these pressures head-on. Remote monitoring and AI give you more than visibility. They give you control. Combined with a commitment to maintenance and water-efficient practices, they can help bottlers and producers lower operational costs, protect environmental resources, and stay one step ahead of regulatory and commercial demands. Chris Payne, Co-founder & Director of PureTec Separations Ltd, outlines how remote monitoring, AI and strategic maintenance are enabling the next era of water-smart, sustainable manufacturing. VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com One Stop Refreshes and Expands Alcohol Range One Stop has completed its third range reset of 2025 with its extended beer and wine selection to engage new customers as well as responding to the needs of its current customer base. From insights, the convenience retailer has brought in a total of 55 new lines across its category, including brand- new, popular products in ready to drink, wine, beer and low and no. One Stop’s alcohol overhaul is a conscious reaction to feedback from customers across its estate, wanting to see a wider selection of popular wines, craft ales and low and no alcohol options. It’s also an extension of its sustainability efforts. Understanding the environmental impact of glass, One Stop now stock more canned wines and ales with an added bonus of these products sitting in a multibuy. “We’re excited to launch more premium products across our beer and wine category. Some specific highlights include introducing premium cocktail ready to drink lines such as SERVED and AU as well as stocking the popular French wine, La Vielle Ferme White and La Vielle Ferme Rose. We know these lines are in demand, particularly with the Gen Z audience,” commented Head of Product at One Stop, Henry Maulik. One Stop are known for their market- leading offers and promotions, including its 3 for £6.50 on a variety of alcohol beverages and to give customers a wider choice – to mix and match on their favourite flavours and strengths. They have also added in an additional 2 for £5 tier to this offer responding to the growing trend for reduced alcohol consumption but also helping customers manage their budgets. The convenience retailer has reduced their range of single bottle ales and replaced them with an EXCLUSIVE range of premium pint can ales with a fantastic offer of 4 for £6 or £1.75 each. One Stop have also introduced a range of 440ml craft cans including Northern Monk Heathen 440ml, Northern Monk Faith 440ml, BrewDog Elvis Juice 440ml, BrewDog Double Hazy 400ml, Beavertown Heavy Gravity 440ml and more! These will be available to buy on a mix & match at 2 for £5.50. And it’s not just ale drinkers who now have more choice, cider drinkers are also in luck with One Stop broadening its Thatcher’s range ahead of hopefully, a hot summer. Customers can now pick up refreshing fruity flavours such as Juicy Apple and Cloudy Lemon. With low and no on the rise, Henry explains how One Stop are catering more to its health-conscious customers: “Customer mindsets and behaviours are constantly evolving and it’s important that we’re providing products that suit their needs, and this goes for our customers who opt for low and no alcohol options. Alongside the fantastic changes we’ve made across the category, we’re pleased to extend our low and no range by stocking Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% 330ml 4 pack and Kopparberg Alcohol-Free Strawberry & Lime 500ml. These products will sit next to our other existing low and no alcohol drinks.” Turning to the dark side with Guinness continuing to be an in- demand product One Stop have also brought in 4 pack Murphy’s Stout. This category reset also comes as a benefit to One Stop’s franchisees. John Miller, Head of Franchise at One Stop, comments, “Category resets are an exciting time for our Franchise estate. The refresh of products and expansion will certainly help with our Franchisee’s sales and profitability. Leaning into popular must-have products such as the range of ales, canned cocktails and wines will generate interest and increased footfall.” 11 IBP NEWS How Packaging Efficiency Starts with the Right SRP Format For bottlers and beverage brands, agility isn’t a luxury or a nice to have, it’s a necessity. Whether managing high-volume SKUs, adapting to shifting retail formats, or preparing for seasonal peaks, the ability to move fast and flexibly across the supply chain is critical. And increasingly, smarter packaging design is becoming one of the most effective levers to unlock that agility. Shelf-ready packaging, traditionally seen as a format to satisfy retailer requirements, is now playing a more strategic role. It acts as a bridge between operational efficiency, supply chain compliance, brand visibility, and cost control. In a market defined by speed and scale, how packaging is designed, tested, and deployed can make or break supply chain performance. At the same time, SRP is increasingly important in supporting the shopper’s decision-making process, guiding navigation at fixture and clearly communicating product messaging and benefits. By designing SRP with both retailer and shopper needs in mind, brands can unlock value at every stage, transforming packaging into a tool that not only streamlines operations but also enhances the shopper experience and drives purchase decisions. So how do brands successfully shift from viewing SRP as a compliance requirement to seeing it as a driver of supply chain resilience? Function First, Not Just Form While SRP was once focused mainly on on-shelf presentation, it now plays a much bigger role in streamlining the route from bottling to basket. When designed well, shelf-ready formats reduce repacking and handling at every stage, all the way from the factory to the shop floor. Features like easy-open perforations, carry handles, and optimised stacking don’t just help retailers, they also reduce bottler headaches. A case that’s easy 12 to load, store and merchandise creates efficiencies far beyond the shop floor. At the same time, as brands shift between formats, for example, bottles, cans, multi-packs, and channels, it becomes clear that packaging must work harder to adapt. Designing SRP that performs equally well across these settings requires a broader view of the supply chain and a more collaborative approach between brands and packaging manufacturers. Packaging for Agility Starts at the Brief Much of this agility begins long before a single pack is made. At VPK, we’ve found that the most successful shelf- ready solutions come from starting with a clear understanding of the customer’s entire packaging journey. It’s why we developed our Eight-Step Solution Cycle, a structured but flexible framework that ensures we look at packaging from every angle, from market context to operational impact. Our Solution Cycle includes steps like Discover and Identify that are all about understanding the brand’s supply chain pressures, sustainability goals, and route-to-market challenges. This could mean factoring in automation requirements at packing lines or understanding how to reduce double- handling during distribution. It’s here, not just at the design stage, where SRP solutions are shaped to deliver real- world value. Designing for Automation, Avoiding Downtime With bottlers under pressure to increase throughput while managing labour constraints, automation is becoming more common across production and packaging lines. But packaging must be designed to support that automation and not to work against it. If a case doesn’t run smoothly through a packing machine, or collapses under load during palletisation, it can slow production and create waste. This is where small design changes, such as board grade, gluing patterns, case dimensions, can have a big effect. Validation is critical here. As part of our solution cycle, we routinely run production trials and prototyping to check how a shelf-ready pack performs not just in store, but online. When potential problems are caught early, bottlers avoid downtime, delays, and redesigns. Inventory Simplicity and SKU Consolidation Smart SRP also plays a role in reducing inventory complexity. Consolidating case designs across product ranges, for example, using a common base with only minor graphics variations, can simplify procurement, reduce tooling costs, and make warehouse space go further. This type of rationalisation often starts with a packaging audit. By reviewing the physical packaging alongside the operational workflow, it’s possible to spot where standardisation can support flexibility. In our experience, bottlers working across multiple formats or brands benefit significantly from reducing the number of packaging variants they hold. Shelf Impact with Less Waste Retail efficiency remains a key SRP function but it’s also a chance to reinforce branding. Bottlers are increasingly using high-quality post-print and creative die-cuts to combine strong shelf presence with fast restocking. But even as print and presentation improve, there’s growing pressure to optimise material use and improve recyclability. For brands balancing shelf appeal with sustainability goals, packaging manufacturers must find solutions that don’t sacrifice performance or perception. Clever structural design, and material INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 NEWS optimisation are now central to shelf- ready success. Again, this isn’t a one-time fix, instead it requires continuous refinement. Suppliers need to work with customers to track how SRP performs over time, does it tear cleanly, stack securely, or hold up during transit, and use these findings to make improvements based on real- world feedback. Newlat Food to Buy Diageo Drinks Plant in Italy Italy-based Newlat Food has agreed to acquire a Diageo drinks plant in the country that had been earmarked for closure. Newlat has signed an exclusivity agreement to buy the production facility in Santa Vittoria d’Alba in the north of the country. In November, Diageo announced plans to close the site, which bottles Smirnoff vodka and Captain Morgan rum, by the end of June next year, a decision that prompted industrial action. In a brief statement, Newlat said the facility has ‘extensive experience’ in the production of alcoholic beverages, ready-to-drink products and low- or no-alcohol lines. SRP as a Value Driver When shelf-ready packaging is treated as a strategic asset, rather than an afterthought, it begins to unlock measurable supply chain benefits. Less time spent on rework. Fewer product losses. Improved pallet fill. Lower emissions through material and logistics optimisation. As retailers expand their in-store media offerings and retail media costs rise, SRP provides a unique, cost-effective channel to communicate directly with shoppers at the fixture. By investing a little more in print quality and design, brands can leverage SRP to deliver impactful messaging and product benefits right where purchase decisions are made, maximising visibility and engagement without the significant expense of other retail media placements. For bottlers, these incremental gains can add up quickly, particularly in high-volume, fast-moving categories like beer, cider, soft drinks and mixers. The key is treating packaging not just as a container, but as an enabler of efficiency across the chain. From design brief to store shelf, shelf-ready formats that are smart, scalable, and aligned with business goals help brands respond faster and operate smarter. In an industry where speed, accuracy and shelf impact are all essential, SRP is no longer just about looking the part, it’s about performing at every stage. VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com “One Stop Shop” to the conveyor, bottling & packaging industries since 1991. Machining all plastics & metals ▪ CNC milling, turning & routering ▪ Laser cutting plastics ▪ Guard fabrication ▪ Spindle moulding Largest UK stockist of conveyor components (SystemPlast & Rexnord) ▪ Wear strips, tracks & bends ▪ Conveyor chains (plastic & metal) & modular belts ▪ Bearings, sprockets, side guides & frame components ▪ Modsort & Rexnord curve systems (90° & 180° drop-in solutions) Tel: 01842 820400 sales@slplastics.co.uk ~ www.slplastics.co.uk www.systemplastsmartguide.com 13 IBP NEWS REINVENTING THE SIX-PACK PACKAGING INNOVATION CAN TAKE MANY SHAPES AND SIZES. FOR A SMALL SOUTH FINLAND BREWERY, INNOVATION TOOK THE FORM OF A MOTORBIKE ENGINE, RARING TO GO. Olutmylly is a family brewery operating in Forssa in Finland. With a major rebranding in 2020, the brewery is acutely aware of what it takes to make it in a very competitive market – not only do you need a top-notch product, you also have to ‘make it pop’ in the store. Fortunately, Olutmylly was able to connect with the visionary graphic packaging team at Metsä Board. “Our new beer tasting package is the coolest six-pack around,” grins Anne Silmälä, the Managing Director of Olutmylly. The core idea of the package is to showcase six different beers from the Olutmylly selection, while taking brand identity to another level. “The Metsä Board design delivers the total visual and functional experience,” Silmälä says, while admitting to having been ‘blown away’ by the idea. “The vision for the package was unique, and we’re just so happy that the execution meets the high expectations that were set.” Brewmaster Mikko Silmälä remarks that the project was a real winner, from start to finish. “The cans pop like pistons in an engine, and the beer selection is exquisite,” he muses. Graphic Packaging Designer, Marko Leiviskä from Metsä Board says the collaboration was a ‘match made in heaven’. “Starting with the initial idea in December 2024, we were able to proceed very fast,” Leiviskä says, crediting the small brewery for being quick on their feet. “Smaller companies can be more flexible with packaging solutions and willing to stand out more when it comes to design. This was certainly the case here,” he looks back. 14 INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 NEWS Rev It Up Leiviskä’s original package design was that of a motorbike engine, shaped like a V, with room for six beverages. This was definitely the ultimate six-pack to start the proverbial engines of motorheads, Leiviskä thought. “I felt that the design would resonate very strongly with people who like to tune-up cars and enjoy a drink every now and then,” he says. “Then I found out that Olutmylly already had customers in the motor sports community – and all of this started to feel like it was meant to be,” Leiviskä laughs. “We were able to make a really specific product for a really specific crowd,” he says. That’s certainly a crowd that likes their drinks ice-cold, too. In recognition of this, Leiviskä made room for cooler packs to be integrated into the design. In addition, the sixpack is easy to carry and recycle – being 100 per cent paperboard. “It’s easy to reuse as well, since you can simply replace the cans you drink with new ones.” Mikko Silmälä notes that the package is not only a visual homerun – it’s also a technically rock-solid, practical solution. “We really got a good momentum going, with everybody bringing their best to the table,” he looks back at the R&D effort. Total Team Effort With Leiviskä at the wheel, other members of the Metsä Board design team also contri­buted: Iiro Numminen drew up structural designs, and Joni Myyryläinen performed pressure and strength tests. “Everything we do is a team effort,” Leiviskä says. The packaging design team is also always looking at the bigger picture: the focus is on the packaging concept itself. VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com SALES GO UP WHEN THE PRODUCT BREAKS FROM THE NORM IN A POSITIVE WAY. EYE-CATCHING, MEMORABLE PACKAGING ALSO SUPPORTS A HIGHER PRICE POSITION. THERE’S STILL PLENTY OF POTENTIAL OUT THERE FOR US TO TAP INTO. Marko Leiviskä, Metsä Board Graphic Packaging Designer “We always evaluate the concept’s over-all viability – what the user experience is going to be like, what issues are key from the functionality and design perspective, what logistical concerns have to be addressed,” lists Leiviskä, who has almost 30 years of marketing communications experience. Spring Launch Anne Silmälä reports that some beer tasting packages have already been shipped to selected customers. “The beer tasting package has raised a lot of interest in the field – and the design of the six-pack is frequently praised, too,” Silmälä says. According to the Managing Director, differentiating your product is a ‘life-or- death issue’ in a highly competitive market. “Looking at the supermarket shelf, there’s beverages of all shapes, sizes, colours and styles. It really takes a ground-breaking visual approach to stand out,” she believes. Marko Leiviskä agrees: packaging solutions today can go a long away to boosting the brand and creating customers’ awareness and loyalty. “Sales go up when the product breaks from the norm in a positive way. Eye-catching, memorable packaging also supports a higher price position,” he says. “There’s still plenty of potential out there for us to tap into.” Next-Level Co-Creation at Äänekoski Metsä Board runs an Excellence Centre in Äänekoski in Finland, to accelerate paperboard and packaging innovation. At the Excellence Centre, the packaging design team strives to improve sustainability by optimising packaging design, materials and recyclability. Another key aim is to accelerate product launches through faster prototyping and testing. Furthermore, the packaging design team is always looking for ways to boost production efficiency, while zeroing in on packaging design that really appeals to consumers. Metsä Board’s Packaging Services Director Ilkka Harju says that the Excellence Centre’s ‘secret sauce’ is co-creation. “By collaborating closely with the customer, we can discover the best packaging solutions. The Olutmylly collaboration is a great example of this,” Harju says. Key Package Specs Package is made of corrugated board (e-flute) using MetsäBoard Prime WKL 125g/m 2 , 26 lbs 1,000 ft 2 as top liner and MetsäBoard Natural WKL Bright 120g/m 2 , 25 lbs/1,000 ft 2 as fluting and inner liner. This copy appeared in Board Magazine 1/2025 15 Excellence in Packaging of Beverages The complete guide to packaging for: Beers • Ciders • Wines • Spirits • Soft Drinks • Dairy Products • Water • Juices The ULTIMATE Reference Book Written for the Beverage Packaging Industry P r i c e R ed u L i m i t ed S t c t io n o c k Av a i l a Order now to secure your c bi l i ty opy NOW £40 per copy * p&p 744 71 Chapters Pages An essential source of information for: Project Engineers • Technicians • Consultants • Production Managers NOW £40 per copy * p&p Students • Libraries • Universities • Trade Associations • Buyers • Specifiers 71 744 Chapters Pages Excellence in Packaging of Beverages is the first practical and comprehensive manual for beverage packaging. Each of its 71 chapters focuses upon a different aspect of the industry and is written by an expert in that particular field NOW £40 Pr ice Reduct ion ity L im ited Stock Ava ila bil per copy Order now to secure your copy Please send me * p&p copies of Excellence in Packaging of Beverages. Name _____________________________________________________ Position ____________________________ Company __________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Post code __________________________ Email _________________________________________________________________________________________ I enclose my remittance for £ . made payable to the Binsted Group Please debit my MasterCard/Visa with the following amount: £ . Expiry date Card No. SIGNED ____________________________________________________ Date / / CCV* / *The last three digits on the back of your card If a personal credit card, please supply your home address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Post code __________________________ SIGNED ____________________________________________________ Date / / *Postage, packing & handling £12 per copy mainland UK only. Price on application for overseas delivery. Orders for 10 copies or more delivered free of charge mainland UK only. Please allow up to 10 days for delivery. If paying by cheque allow 20 days for delivery. For further assistance contact the Book Sales Department. Please note that delivery cannot be made to a ‘PO Box’.  +44 (0)1256 263762  epb@binstedgroup.com  www.binstedgroup.com Binsted Group Ltd. • Worting House • Church Lane • Basingstoke • RG23 8PY • UK IBP NEWS Kraft Heinz Mulls ‘Strategic’ Options Kraft Heinz is weighing up ‘strategic transactions to unlock shareholder value’, the US food major has announced. In a statement, the company said the deliberations had been going on for months. “At Kraft Heinz, our goal has always been to make high-quality, great-tasting food for all and to keep consumers at the forefront of all we do, enabling us to drive profitable long- term growth and value creation,” Kraft Heinz CEO, Carlos Abrams-Rivera, said, “Consistent with this goal, over the past several months we have been evaluating potential strategic transactions to unlock shareholder value. As we look to the future, we will continue to inspire and delight consumers with our iconic brands, fulfilling our mission.” Last year, Kraft Heinz generated a net income of $2.74bn, down from the $2.86bn booked for 2023. Kraft Heinz said its net sales dropped 6.4% on a reported basis in the first quarter of 2025 and declined 4.7% in organic terms to just shy of $7bn. In the three months to 29 March, operating income decreased 8.1% to $1.2bn. Net income stood at $712m versus $801m a year earlier. Alongside the first-quarter numbers, Kraft Heinz also cut its 2025 outlook across a range of metrics to factor in the potential upward pressure on input- cost inflation from changes in tariffs. Mallows Bottling Diversifies with New Squash Line South Wales-based Mallows Bottling has diversified into new territory with the launch of a 5-litre squash product line a move already delivering an estimated £700,000 in incremental annual revenue. The Llantrisant business, co-founded by father-and-son team Andy and Rhys Mallows and supported by the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme (AGP), has secured significant new contracts for the line, which includes a range of single and double-strength squash flavours. The expansion has created new jobs, added new capacity, and strengthened the business’s resilience in a competitive and rapidly changing drinks market. The squash line reflects Mallows’ commitment to practical innovation and resource efficiency for the hospitality trade. The 5-litre format reduces packaging waste by enabling customers to purchase in larger volumes, supporting efforts to cut single-use plastics and reduce environmental impact. The larger format also offers a cost-effective solution when margins are under pressure. New supply contracts have been secured with major buying group Caterforce, which has 11 members, including Castell Howell and Forest Fresh Foods. Mallows is also working with Food and Drink Wales to expand into Cash & Carry and the food Changes in Anora Group’s Executive Management Team Changes in Anora Group’s Executive Management Team: The Head of Anora’s Spirits segment to change Anora has appointed Imre Avalo as Senior Vice President of the Anora’s Spirits segment. Anora Group’s CEO Kirsi Puntila has been acting in this role until the appointment of her successor. Imre Avalo has been with Anora and its predecessor Altia since 2017 in various 18 roles, most recently as Vice President, Baltics & Expansion Markets since 2023. Before joining Anora, Imre served as Sales Director at a wine and spirits company in Estonia, where he gained extensive experience collaborating with well-known global partners. Prior to this, he acquired comprehensive experience from sales and project management positions at Carlsberg A/S. service sector, with growing demand from hospitality buyers seeking value-for-money options as they respond to financial pressures. The squash range includes Orange, Blackcurrant, Apple & Blackcurrant, Lime, Lemon, Apple, and Summer Fruits. Interest is growing across retail and hospitality, including in the ‘shooters’ category – referring to small, concentrated drinks typically served in bars, where value and margin are especially important. Rhys Mallows, Managing Director of Mallows Bottling, said, “We saw a clear opportunity to offer a cost-effective, large-format squash range that meets customer needs and supports the hospitality sector during a tough trading period. “The response has been very positive, already generating significant value for the business. It’s also helped us expand the team and open up fresh routes to market.” The company, already the largest contract bottler for spirits in Wales, offers more than 200 products across both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ranges. It employs 35 people at its 30,000-square-foot purpose-built bottling facility in Rhondda Cynon Taf. “On behalf of the Management Team and all our Anora colleagues, I am happy to have Imre Avalo take the lead of the Anora’s Spirits segment and join the Executive Management Team. Under his leadership, Anora has expanded its Baltic operations to Lithuania in line with our strategy. Imre’s background in the beverage business will strongly support our success over the coming years,” says Kirsi Puntila, CEO of Anora. INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 WORLD NEWS INNOVATION IN EVERY SIP TH TRUE MILK, A MAJOR PLAYER AND INNOVATOR IN VIETNAM’S DAIRY AND BEVERAGE SECTOR, CONTINUES TO EXPAND ITS PRODUCT OFFERING WITH THE LAUNCH OF TWO NEW SNACK DRINKS FOR CHILDREN: CHOCOMALT WITH HEARTY OATS OR CHEWY NATA DE COCO – BOTH OFFERING A FUN AND NUTRITIOUS SNACKING EXPERIENCE IN A CONVENIENT ASEPTIC CARTON. This marks TH true MILK’s expansion of its dairy portfolio, made possible with the SIG Drinksplus technology. Riding on the success of its previous snack drink launch, TH true MILK LIGHT MEAL, a nutritious blend of milk, oat flakes, and nuts, TH true MILK continues to innovate. The new chocomalt snack drinks not only cater to Vietnamese consumers’ growing appetite for healthy indulgence but VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com also leverages a technology that allows filling of beverages with real, perceptible pieces of grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts or jelly into aseptic cartons using SIG’s standard aseptic carton filling machines for beverages. The new products combine chocomalt, a blend of natural barley and cacao extract, with either chewy nata de coco or hearty rolled oats and delivers a unique multi-sensory drinking experience. Consumers can enjoy the texture and taste of wholesome ingredients ready-to-drink in a convenient packaging solution. “At TH true MILK, innovation means delivering more than just flavor – we deliver experiences,” said Mr. Phuong Nguyen, Marketing Manager at TH true MILK. “Thanks to the SIG Drinksplus technology, we’re able to offer something truly groundbreaking for Vietnam. The new chocomalt snack drinks are indulgent, nourishing, and it’s perfect for on the go.” The proven SIG Drinksplus technology empowers beverage manufacturers to aseptically fill carton packs with beverages containing up to 10% particulate content using standard SIG filling machines for beverages. All it needs is an easy-to-install ‘SIG Drinksplus upgrade kit’. The bits, adding extra value to the beverages, can be up to six millimetres in length and width. The drinking straws for those products can be up to eight millimetres in diameter and make drinking the products easy and fun. SIG Drinksplus opens the door to brand new products and categories, helping f&b companies to meet new consumer trends and address new consumer segments and consumption occasions. The cornerstone of the technology is SIG’s advantageous sleeve system where each carton sleeve is individually shaped, filled and ultrasonically sealed above the filling level and not through the product – providing aseptic safety of the product. “SIG Drinksplus is more than just a technology – it’s paving the way for product innovation,” said Kha Vo Xuan Minh, Country Manager Vietnam at SIG. “By enabling our customers to add value pieces to beverages using their already installed standard SIG carton filling machines for beverages we’re not only helping them tap into emerging consumer trends, but we’re also boosting what’s possible in the world of aseptic packaging.”  www.sig.biz  +49 2462 790 19 IBP WORLD NEWS FADEPLAST TURNED TO SMI FOR THE PRODUCTION OF EMPTY BOTTLES NATURE, HISTORY, MUSIC AND CULTURE! Colombia is full of beauty and particular places, such as Buga, a hidden gem in the heart of the Valley of Cauca, where we also discover Fadeplast, an entrepreneurial excellence, which chose SMI compact stretch-blow moulders from the EBS K ERGON range for the production of PET empty bottles. Production of Bottles in Pet for Third Parties Fadeplast Buga S.A.S. operates in the field of manufacturing a wide range of plastic products. Founded in 2013, the Colombian company currently boasts a prominent position among the operators in the ‘converter’ sector, i.e. manufacturers of containers intended mainly for the plants of companies in the ‘food & beverage’ sector. To meet the strong demand for empty bottles from the market, Fadeplast 20 turned to SMI for the supply of a fourth compact rotary stretch-blow moulder model EBS 4 K ERGON, which is added to the three already supplied previously. Since 2019, Fadeplast, has been producing a wide variety of PET and rPET containers using the latest generation SMI stretch-blow moulders of the EBS K ERGON series, a range of compact high-performance machines, which, in a single module, integrate the preform heating furnace and the stretch-blow moulding section; This is the ideal solution to allow the user of the system high flexibility and maximum efficiency in the production of various types of containers intended for the packaging of water, carbonated drinks, oil, sauces, household detergents, etc. The EBS K ERGON series by SMI offers the advantage of allowing format changes to be carried out quickly and easily and machine management and maintenance operations with great ease. Looking After Lots of Brands Fadeplast was created with the aim of responding to the countless requests from companies producing beverages, food, detergents, which need a wide range of empty PET and rPET containers for bottling their brands. Many operators in the sector, especially small ones, carry out very varied productions in their plants, with the need therefore to frequently change format to go from one type of bottle to another or from one pack configuration to another. These businesses must therefore rely on the technology and professionalism of companies such as Fadeplast in order to have the containers they need, without having to INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 WORLD NEWS invest in the purchase of a stretch-blow moulder to produce them internally. Customers who turn to Buga’s Colombian company know that they can count on the expertise and attention of an experienced partner, able to assist them at every stage of the production process and the choice of raw materials. For the blow moulding of high-quality, high-performance bottles, Fadeplast uses the best raw materials available on the market and continuously invests in new technologies capable of ensuring high competitiveness, as demonstrated by the purchase of four compact stretch-blow moulders from the EBS K ERGON series by SMI. SMI Solutions for Fadeplast The research and development of new solutions, together with investments in new technologies and cutting-edge equipment, have allowed Fadeplast Buga to specialise in the production of lighter and more eco-sustainable containers than traditional ones, allowing customers to save on preform material. Furthermore, thanks to the use of efficient stretch-blow moulders, during the blow moulding process, the Colombian company is able to obtain a perfect distribution of the material on the walls of the container and to blow it with the lowest possible weight. Fadeplast uses high-quality and 100% recyclable preforms, in perfect harmony with the innovative concepts of the ‘bottle to bottle’ production system. The containers made are suitable for food, as they are blown with compressed air filtered by special devices that prevent the passage of bacteria and therefore the contamination of the products to be bottled. Rotary Stretch-Blow Moulder EBS 4 k Ergon The key benefits of the stretch-blow moulder EBS K for third party production: ■ Plant that meets the needs of flexibility, cost-effectiveness and efficiency of large-scale production. ■ Simple and fast format changes, in order to be able to quickly switch from one bottle format to another and immediately adapt to the changing needs of the ‘converters’ customer companies. ■ Compact and ergonomic machine design: the preform heating section is integrated into a single module with the bottle stretch-blow moulding section. ■ Highly flexible and high-performance technology, capable of processing various formats on the same machine (from 0.2L to 3L). ■ Solution also suitable for the production of lightweight and recyclable containers. Coca-Cola Consolidated Invests $90m in US Site Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the US, has invested $90m in a new facility at its site in Columbus, Ohio. The sum has been invested in a 400,000 square ft distribution and warehouse facility at the site on Rohr Road, alongside two 15,000 square ft buildings for equipment repair services and fleet maintenance. The warehouse can handle over 16 million cases of products annually, and an average of around 75,000 cases daily, the company said in a statement. VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com The company added the site would see inclusion of a Vertique semi- automated system, which ‘improves warehouse productivity, efficiency, accuracy and working conditions’. The new distribution centre will be used to serve not just Ohio, but also the neighbouring states of Kentucky and Indiana. “The investment we’ve made here in Columbus is evidence of our focus on ■ Easy management and maintenance: the blow moulding machine has a low height and therefore no ladders are required for maintenance operations; In addition, the electrical panels are grouped in a single, easily accessible area. ■ System equipped with two-stage air recovery fitted as standard. ■ Energy-saving furnace panels with even heat distribution. ■ Reduced energy consumption: the stretch-blow moulding carousel is equipped with motorised ironing rods controlled by digital drives, which do not require compressed air. ■ Reduced furnace consumption: optimized chain pitches according to the preform diameter. ■ Reduced pre-blow and blow times and improved quality of the bottles produced. ■ Less wear and greater precision of management of the blow molding machine, thanks to the movement of the grippers based on a system of preform grippers/ bottles without springs equipped with desmodromic cams. ■ Control panel equipped with a simple and intuitive operator interface.  info@smigroup.it  www.smigroup.it  +39 0345 40111 growth in Columbus,” said Sam Meiner, VP, mid-west market unit at Coca-Cola Consolidated. This commitment to our teammates and production capabilities is a long-term dedication to improving how we serve the world’s best brands and flavors to our communities and the people of Ohio.” Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Coca-Cola Consolidated produces, sells and distributes beverages from The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies to approximately 60 million consumers in 14 states and the District of Columbia. 21 IBP DRINKTEC PREVIEW DRINKTEC 2025 – A MUST-ATTEND TRADE FAIR FOR BEVERAGE AND LIQUID-FOOD-PRODUCERS THE GLOBAL FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY IS ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC AND FASTEST-GROWING SECTORS, HOLDING AN IMPORTANCE IN MANY COUNTRIES. However, the industry is also characterized by intense competition, price pressure, numerous product innovations, and ever shorter product life cycles. As a result, manufacturers are continuously investing in high- performance technologies to increase efficiency, flexibility and sustainable 22 production and packaging processes- driving a high demand for machines. For all beverage producers, the requirements are clear: product safety, efficient processing technologies, maximum yield, optimal utilisation of raw materials (including all by-products), and futureproofing of operations. drinktec 2025, taking place from 15 to 19 September in Munich, presents a unique opportunity to explore cutting- edge technologies and forward-looking solutions tailored to their production needs. Across eleven halls at Messe München, every step of the supply chain will be represented. A major strength of this world-leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry is the presence of all key technology providers and solution experts involved in the manufacture and processing of beverages. INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 PREVIEW In particular, focusing on the optimisation of production processes will be profitable for many beverage and liquid food manufacturers visiting drinktec, as adapting individual components to the latest standards can result in faster production, high hygiene standards and improved maintenance processes. Beyond automation, it remains essential to ensure the optimal design of all hygiene-critical areas. Resistance to high-pressure cleaning, hot steam or chemical cleaning agents is a must for all highly automated production lines worldwide. Furthermore, hygienic design is not only a question of material and seal quality, but also a design element in the planning of piping, the selection of suitable valves and the seal quality and cross-section in relation to the properties of the product. Approximately a quarter of the 1,000 exhibitors will showcase an extensive portfolio of valve technology, pumps and other components, cleaning technology, drive technology and process automation, as well as process hygiene equipment for all practical users who focus directly on every detail in their lines. With application examples and live demonstrations, it becomes clear at first glance at the components and exhibits at drinktec what improvements they bring to daily production operations. It will also become clear that these vital line elements are designed with future readiness in mind. Integrated signal connections for line monitoring allow for transparent maintenance planning, facilitate preventive maintenance, and enhance operator guidance. Data-driven process optimisation will therefore also be a focus for many beverage and liquid food manufacturers at drinktec. VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com Three Key Topics – also in the Supporting Programme Under the central theme ‘Circularity & Resource Management’, drinktec 2025 will delve into efficient resource utilisation across the entire value chain. Opportunities within the industry range from the use of bio-based raw materials and circular solutions at every stage of the beverage and liquid food production process, to the reuse of production by- products and other residual materials. Solutions such as material recovery, energy efficiency, and closed-loop systems – often developed in collaboration with other industries- are set to provide new momentum towards economically viable and sustainable production strategies for beverage manufacturers. The focus topic ‘Lifestyle & Health’ will highlight forward-thinking beverage concepts. The strong presence of ingredient suppliers in hall C3 underscores the continued importance of flavour diversity and innovative beverage formulations. Market insights further support expectations for new product developments, revealing a global trend among consumers towards wellbeing and health-conscious lifestyles. In-depth data insights will be available through ‘Data2Value’, the third thematic focus of the drinktec programme, offering a comprehensive toolkit for optimisation across the entire production chain. Digitalisation efforts are centred on generating added value from data: analysing machine and process data can improve resource efficiency, minimise production downtimes, and enhance operational flexibility. Leveraging data ultimately delivers tangible benefits – increased efficiency, improved product safety, higher equipment availability and performance, and greater transparency throughout manufacturing and packaging processes. 23 IBP DRINKTEC PREVIEW ADVANCED AND ASSURED DEPALLETISING AND PALLETISING SOLUTIONS FOR THE DRINKS INDUSTRY Manufactured by FIPAL in Italy, PHS offer a full series of depalletisers, palletiisers and layer forming systems, all customisable allowing flexibility for today’s demanding packaging line requirements. Advanced vision alignment provides automatic adjustment and precision, giving peace of mind when the machines are left unsupervised. A suite of data collating options, remote monitoring and intuitive control panels gives operators maximum control and access to important information when required, to ensure the machinery is running smoothly and providing alerts should any maintenance be required. WITH THE LATEST GENERATION OF DEPALLETISING AND PALLETISING SYSTEMS, PERFECTLY ALIGNED TO THE BEVERAGE SECTOR, PHOENIX HANDLING SOLUTIONS LIMITED (PHS), A LEADING INNOVATOR IN AUTOMATED MATERIAL HANDLING SOLUTIONS, CAN SUPPLY THE IDEAL SOLUTION FOR ANY LINE, TO HELP ELIMINATE BOTTLENECKS AND TO OPTIMISE PRODUCTION. 24 INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 PREVIEW Installation is simplified thanks to the open communications protocols used to interface with established machinery. And, being Industry 4.0 Ready, integrating into new packaging lines is effortless. Built from st. st. for strength and hygiene, the range of FIPAL’s depalletisers and palletisers, supplied by PHS, have modular properties allowing additions or reconfiguration to be implemented quickly and easily. Plus, by utilising energy efficient motors, energy consumption is reduced, saving time and power whilst still delivering results. FIPAL and PHS will be at drintec Hall A6, Stand 322 VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com Backed up with first class service and after-sales support, PHS can help any production line become more automated, saving precious man-hours and eliminating potential costly human mistakes. Phoenix Handling Solutions is committed to helping businesses adopt automation with products that are effective, reliable and scalable. For their full offering visit  www.phoenixhandling.co.uk  0845 265 7570  sales@phs-uk.com KHS to Present Pioneering Systems, Solutions and Services At drinktec, the KHS Group will be exhibiting its extensive product portfolio of progressive technologies and smart services. The focus will be on new developments for all container segments. KHS is also presenting its range of digital services and training courses for line optimisation. KHS’ holistic line expertise will be the key focus of the company’s drinktec booth this year. KHS CSO, Tobias Wetzel, said, “KHS stands for progressive technologies and services that can be combined to create smart turnkey systems tailored to our customers’ individual requirements. They generate considerable added value when it comes to line efficiency, resource consumption and machine footprint.” As the world’s leading trade show for the beverage industry, drinktec is the most important exhibition of the year for KHS. “This is where we’ll be presenting our customers with all new and further developments from KHS in an appropriate setting. With plenty of passion, heart and expertise, our employees have achieved really great things in the past few months,” Wetzel states. KHS’ holistic line concept is particularly evident in the digital solutions and services it provides. As part of its line management program, the expert for filling and packaging systems will be exhibiting both established and further developed software solutions, among them Innoline Basic Line Monitoring, Innoline Flex Control and KHS ConnectApp Guide. Its line connectivity services include cloud links and secure network architecture for real-time data access and protected OT systems, for instance. By way of supplement to the above, at drinktec KHS will also be highlighting its new line coaching portfolio for the first time ever. It teaches customers practical knowledge that they can use to specifically improve line performance, supported by a broad spectrum of digital solutions. 25 Introduction Banner Promote your company, products and services to a global audience with ef fec tive digital adver tising... Email Banner Magazine Top Banner With a variety of digital advertising options you can truly showcase your products in an interactive way. Get instant visibility with an Email Banner, Banner Introduction Banner or Magazine Top Banner, Banner linking to your desired website or page. Enhance your editorial by including a video with your story, attracting readers to your news making it stand out on a page. Find out more: www.binstedgroup.com/digital 15—19 September 2025 Munich, Germany LANTECH TO SHOWCASE NEXT-GENERATION PACKAGING TECHNOLOGIES AT DRINKTEC 2025 GLOBAL LEADER IN SECONDARY PACKAGING EQUIPMENT, LANTECH, WILL SHOWCASE ITS LATEST INNOVATIONS AT DRINKTEC 2025 IN MUNICH, GERMANY. At this show, Lantech will debut cutting-edge stretch wrapping and case handling technologies designed to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and uptime. European Debut SL Automatic Stretch Wrapper At drinktec, Lantech will unveil its SL Automatic Stretch Wrapper with Automatic Roll Change for the first time in Europe. The SL Automatic Stretch Wrapper can wrap up to 110 loads per hour more tightly, using less film to secure the load on the pallet. Automatic Roll Change enables the Stretch Wrapper to change film rolls automatically, maximising productivity and performance. Live demonstrations of the QL400XT Semi-Automatic Stretch Wrapper, the C1000 Case Erector and LINC®, Lantech’s IoT solution, will also be available to be watched by attendees, along with insights into the company’s sustainability initiatives, which have been tailored to the beverage sector. Visit Lantech in September 2025 at drinktec for hands-on demonstrations and in-depth discussions with packaging experts.  www.lantech.com Grow with the Flow World’s Leading Trade Fair for the Beverage and Liquid Food Industry Experience the comprehensive range of products across the entire value chain, from raw materials to packaging and logistics solutions – all in action. Network with industry experts, discover the “The Next Big Thing”, and gain valuable insights into the key topics: Data2Value Lifestyle & Health Circularity & Resource Management Hall A5, Booth 168 Are you ready? Secure your ticket today! VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com drinktec.com IBP FINANCE Powder Monkey Group Acquires Castle Eden Brewery Powder Monkey Group has acquired local contract brewing company Castle Eden Brewery. County Durham-based Castle Eden Brewery has focused on contract brewing since 2016. Following the acquisition, Powder Monkey Group said it planned to ‘maintain those relationships’. It also said it looked to ‘add brewing for their existing product line’, and ‘resurrect the Castle Eden Brewing brand name UK’s Canned Wine Group to Seek Further Funding Canned Wine Group is looking to raise more funds by the end of 2025 as it looks to grow headcount and expand the presence of its on-draught keg line. Co-founder and CEO Simon Rollings said the money would be used for ‘working capital’, to build its sales and marketing teams and scale the on-tap line for its Copper Crew brand. Rollings said the single-serve wines business was looking to raise £3m, mostly from new investors and was in talks with several VC firms. It has so far raised £2m to date. Canned Wine Group launched its 20 litre wine kegs in the UK in March and is looking to expand the presence of those in the UK and Ireland. Agromousquetaires Eyes Sale of Eight Factories Agromousquetaires, the French private-label manufacturer, is putting eight of its more than 50 factories on the market. The company, part of the Groupement Mousquetaires business that also houses French retailer Intermarché, is looking to sell five food plants, a beverage site and two horticultural units. 28 throughout the area through increased focus on the beers that made CEB an important piece of local beer history’. In 1963, Castle Eden was acquired by Whitbread and eventually sold to private owners in 1998. In 2014, Castle Eden was bought back by its owners and moved to Seaham. Commenting on the deal, Andy Burdon, CEO of Powder Monkey Group, said, “We are constantly looking at great opportunities to expand the Powder Monkey portfolio and the attraction back to my heritage in Durham, coupled with a superb facility and great operation, makes great business sense and is fantastic for me on a personal level.” Powder Monkey owns four breweries. Two in the UK – Powder Monkey Brewing Co. in Gosport and Goddards Brewery on the Isle of Wight, which the group bought in February – and two in Australia: Willie the Boatman and Southern Highlands Brewing Co., both in New South Wales. The group also manages the hospitality venues attached to Powder Monkey Brewing Co., Goddards Brewery and Willie the Boatman. Its main markets are the UK and Australia. It also exports to Hong Kong. There were 56 at the start of the year but the company sold ready- meals site Sveltic to Belgium-based What’s Cooking? in a deal announced in January. Last year, French meat- processing group LDC snapped up the Les Délices de Saint Léonard factory in Morbihan from Agromousquetaires. The eight plants up for sale include: a bread and brioche facility in Joué-lès- Tours; two seafood factories in Britanny and a third in Pas-de-Calais; two cut- flower units in western France; and a fruit- juice bottling site in Hermes, north of Paris. Agromousquetaires also wants to offload rice-to-spices factory Antartic in Charmes-sur-Rhône in southern France. of the canned food and juices maker had completed in an exceptionally short timeframe, allowing us to activate tangible synergies from the outset.” He added, “A potential IPO may provide a tangible opportunity to fully drive the growth potential of the food & drinks business, while also enabling the business to secure additional financial resources to accelerate its external growth strategy.” The dairy and savoury snacks business stressed, “At this stage, no decisions have been made and there can be no certainty that any such transaction or changes will proceed.” The Reggio Emilia-headquartered group is already thinking about boosting its drinks production. In May, the business announced plans to take over an Italian plant from Diageo that had been set to close. The pasta maker has signed an exclusivity agreement to buy the production facility in Santa Vittoria d’Alba in the north of the country. Newlat Mulls IPO Following Princes Integration Italy’s Newlat Food is considering an IPO and listing on the London Stock Exchange after integrating Princes Group into the company. In a statement accompanying its first- quarter results, Newlat said it was chewing over ‘among other things, an initial public offering and listing of a substantial part’ of the business, which is being renamed NewPrinces. Newlat bought Princes last June for £700m from Mitsubishi Corp. In the latest filing, Newlat Chairman, Angelo Mastrolia, said, “The integration Diageo Eyeing Asset Sales Diageo could make ‘substantial changes’ to its product portfolio in the form of asset disposals, CFO Nik Jhangiani said. Speaking to analysts, Jhangiani said Diageo had identified opportunities to offload assets that were different in scope to the deals Diageo had conducted in recent years. INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 FINANCE “Clearly we see through our reviews that we’ve been doing internally and with the board some opportunities for what I would call substantial changes versus portfolio trimming,” said Jhangiani. Diageo has offloaded assets including rum brands Cacique and Pampero and Safari liqueur. The group has also sold assets in Africa, although in October it reportedly called off the sale of its Pimm’s gin-based liqueur after failing to secure an agreement with potential buyers. Mast-Jägermeister Sales Slide in 2024 Mast-Jägermeister saw its net sales decline 10% in 2024, with the company pointing to a ‘historically challenging market environment’. The Germany-based group also said a ‘generally weak consumer climate’ and ‘major inventory adjustments’ by global distribution partners as factors for sales dropping from €961.7m ($1.07bn) to €866m, excluding excise tax. Mast-Jägermeister said the global spirits industry faced a ‘shrinking’ market for the second consecutive year. Political and economic instability affected consumer sentiment across nearly all key regions, the company said, resulting in lower sales volumes in major markets such as the US, western Europe, Latin America, and China. In 2024, shipments of Jägermeister, the company’s core brand, fell from 118.4 million to 109.5 million 70cl bottles. Heineken Buys Minority Stake in Energy-Drink Firm Tenzing Heineken has purchased of a stake in UK energy-drinks business Tenzing. In a joint statement issued, the companies said the Dutch beer behemoth had acquired a minority shareholding in Tenzing. Tenzing was set up in 2016 by former Red Bull executive Huib Van Bockel. The company had been seeking for investment and Van Bockel said the business had “looked for a partner who could help us scale while staying true to who we are”. Tenzing markets its energy drinks in the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Australia. Heineken has been building its interests outside beer through the acquisition of stakes in fledgling firms. Boudewijn Haarsma, the MD of Heineken’s business in the UK, said, “This is an incredibly exciting step for us.” E L A SACMI Opera 200 Roll-Fed Labeller S R FO Model: 15T-SR S1/EI 1/2/375 Little used and well maintained SACMI roll-fed labeller, manufactured in 2011. Runs from Right to Left and supplied with change parts for 250, 330 and 500ml bottles. Speeds up to 15,000bph (250, 330, 500ml) and compatible with other bottle sizes including 1 litre and 2 litre (change parts not supplied for these sizes). AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING ON SITE Maine Soft Drinks Ballymoney Northern Ireland BT53 7EX Tel: +44 (0)28 276 62088 PRICE ON APPLICATION IBP WINES & SPIRITS UNIVERSAL SOLUTIONS FOR A FLEXIBLE FUTURE: HOW ADAPTABLE CHANGE PARTS ARE REDEFINING MACHINE EFFICIENCY IN THE FAST-PACED WORLD OF BEVERAGE AND FOOD MANUFACTURING, PRODUCTION LINE AGILITY IS NO LONGER A LUXURY IT IS A COMPETITIVE NECESSITY. With increasing product diversification, frequent format changes, and shorter production runs becoming the norm, manufacturers are demanding more from their equipment suppliers. Among the most transformative developments 30 in this arena are universal and adjustable change parts solutions that significantly reduce changeover times while enhancing operational flexibility. Leading manufacturers like PE Labellers and MBF S.p.A. are offering these innovations, demonstrating how intelligent mechanical design can streamline production and reduce downtime. From Custom to Universal: A Paradigm Shift Traditionally, format changes on bottling and labelling lines required bespoke change parts, each tailored to a specific container shape or size. These parts were not only costly and storage-intensive INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 WINES & SPIRITS CHRONICLE but also time-consuming to replace, often demanding skilled technicians and prolonged line stoppages. This legacy approach is giving way to modular, universal, and self-adjusting components, such as those integrated in PE Labellers’ Modular SL system and MBF’s Monoblock configurations. These solutions represent a design philosophy shift – from static machinery to dynamic systems capable of self-adjustment or minimal manual intervention. The Case for Universal Fittings Universal fittings and adaptable components dramatically reduce changeover complexity. PE Labellers, for example, offers modular labelling systems that can handle multiple container types on a single platform, without the need for separate change parts. Their Modular SL labellers feature a plug-and-play design where labelling stations can be interchanged or upgraded with ease, supporting multiple label types and application methods. This level of interchangeability translates to a changeover time measured in minutes and seconds, not hours. Similarly, MBF’s monoblock solutions offer integrated rinsing, filling, and capping stations with quick-release, tool-free change parts and height- adjustable platforms. With built-in memory recipes and servo-assisted adjustments, these systems support rapid transitions between formats while ensuring consistency in product handling and quality. Quantifying the Gains n The operational gains are tangible: n Time savings of 50–80% during format changeovers. n Reduced labour requirements, with fewer technicians needed for adjustments. n Lower inventory costs, due to fewer dedicated change parts. n Improved OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) by minimizing unproductive downtime. VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com In sectors where line efficiency directly correlates with profitability, these improvements are not merely incremental – they’re transformational. Supporting a Leaner, Greener Operation Beyond speed and cost-efficiency, universal change parts also contribute to sustainability goals. Fewer change parts mean fewer resources consumed 31 IBP WINES & SPIRITS CHRONICLE Cygnet Gin Hires New MD Cygnet Gin has appointed former Diageo executive Vedran Milosevic as its new Global Managing Director. in manufacturing and maintenance. Moreover, rapid changeovers enable shorter production runs if the schedule demands, enabling manufacturers to meet demand more responsively and with less waste. Local Expertise: Evolution BPS in the UK Market Both PE Labellers and MBF S.p.A. have built longstanding partnerships with Evolution BPS, who serve as their dedicated representative in the UK. As a trusted local partner, Evolution BPS brings critical added value by supporting these advanced technologies with a team of UK-based technicians trained directly by the OEMs. This localised service capability ensures that British manufacturers receive not only cutting- edge European engineering, but also responsive technical support, integration expertise, and hands-on changeover assistance – delivering the full benefit of universal, high-performance systems with the reassurance of domestic support. Looking Ahead The future of packaging machinery lies in adaptability by design. As consumer preferences evolve and SKU proliferation accelerates, manufacturers will continue to seek out equipment that can match their pace. Suppliers who invest in universal fitting systems and quick-change modularity will not only stand out but set new industry benchmarks. PE Labellers and MBF S.p.A., supported in the UK by Evolution BPS, exemplify how this future is being built one flexible, efficient, and universally compatible system at a time.  www.evolutonbps.co.uk  01721 724296 32 Milosevic spent more than a decade at Diageo, with his most recent role two years as global commercial director for the company’s luxury group unit. Cygnet Gin said, “Milosevic brings deep commercial acumen, strategic insight, and a passion for luxury execution and building culturally resonant brands.” “We are thrilled to welcome Vedran to our Cygnet family,” said Chairman, Matteo Fantacchiotti. “As we prepare for our next stage of growth, particularly in the UK and US, and strategically seed our presence in global luxury cities, knowing Vedran since many years I am very confident his leadership, global mindset and luxury expertise will be instrumental in accelerating our vision and implementation of our plans.” Cygnet recently launched its gin in Dubai and Singapore and plans to expand into US cities in the fourth quarter. It has a ‘secondary focus’ on ‘luxury cities’ in Europe and Asia. Founded by singer Katharine Jenkins and artist and filmmaker Andrew Levitas, Wales-based Cygnet Gin has listings at UK retailers Waitrose and Marks and Spencer. Its products are also available at regional Tesco and Co-Op stores throughout Wales. The company launched its Cygnet 77 gin variant in April, with an initial exclusivity period for UK luxury department store Harrods. The product will enter the on-trade at Hakkasan restaurant in London’s Mayfair from 6 June to 10 July. INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 WINES & SPIRITS CHRONICLE Italy Wine Trade Body Sounds Export Warning Italy’s wine exporters need to focus on ‘consumer behaviour, not just on customs data’, the country’s industry body has warned after releasing ‘worrying’ figures for the first quarter. Data issued by Unione Italiana Vini (UIV) shows consumption “is falling or at best stagnant,” said the industry body. According to the UIV, the global market for Italian wine was ‘in sharp contraction’ in the first quarter of the year. The UIV said export volumes to non- EU countries were down almost 9% in the first three months of 2024. Exports to those markets dipped 0.1% in value terms, the organisation said. Shipment volumes to the US rose 4%, boosted by distributor efforts to import stocks ahead of changes in US tariffs. Excluding sales to the US, Italy’s wine exports would have fallen almost 17% in volume terms, the UIV said. “In the last six months we have witnessed an apparent paradox: Italian shipments to the United States seemed to be holding up or even growing in some sectors but the real data on consumption tell a different, much more worrying story,” said UIV President, Lamberto Frescobaldi. “The pre-duty rush has deceived the markets but the situation is different: final consumption is falling or at best stagnant. It is therefore essential not to confuse outputs exports with real consumption, because the real analysis must focus on the behaviour of the final consumer, not just on customs data. The risk is a false perception of the robustness of the market that can lead to incorrect decisions along the entire supply chain.” UK Taxation “Has Made Life Very Complicated,” says Hatch Mansfield Duties and taxes charged by the UK government are causing problems for the wine industry, taking a hit on the price of goods sold in the country, Ben Knollys, managing director at wine importer Hatch Mansfield has said. Knollys said, “Unfortunately the new Labour government decided not to extend that [tax reprieve on wine producers]. It just stopped, which has made life very complicated. “It has had a big impact in terms of the cost of goods. And then you have EPR and recycling coming in and that’s going to impact the price as well.” The Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (EPR) scheme came into force in April, meaning producers must report how much packaging they put into the market and pay associated rates per tonnage. In March, UK drinks associations called for the government to address ‘significant’ issues with Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (EPR) scheme, warning the scheme was ‘flawed’. VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com The UIV also provided data looking at the combined retail sales to the top three markets for Italian wine the UK, the US and Germany in the first quarter. Export volumes to the UK the largest market for wine from Italy fell 6.4% to 43.5 million litres. Germany bought 42.3 million litres in the first quarter, down 11.8% year on year. Italy’s wine exporters shipped 37.5 million litres to the US, a decline of 5.4%. UIV General Secretary, Paolo Castelletti, added, “The super premium range from €15 a litre represents only 2% of the volumes and 8% of the values of our wine in the USA. It would be dangerous to cling to a theory of irreplaceability based on a high positioning of our products. Made-in-Italy exports are in fact based on a centred quality/price ratio. A discussion with institutions is needed as soon as possible to trigger real support for the sector.” New CEO at Remy Cointreau Rémy Cointreau has appointed Franck Marilly as its new CEO. Marilly, whose appointment succeeds Éric Vallat, who stepped down to pursue ‘a new professional project’. The newly appointed CEO brings over three decades of experience from FMCG companies including Unilever, Chanel and the Japanese group Shiseido. Marie-Amélie de Leusse, Chairwoman of the board of directors of Rémy Cointreau, said, “We are convinced that Marilly will bring a new dynamic and will be able to confidently address the new challenges of the group’s growth in a complex macroeconomic and geopolitical context.” At Shiseido, which he joined in 2018, Marilly was the president and CEO of the EMEA region and the global fragrance division. According to the Remy Cointreau, Marilly will bring ‘solid experience in international management, which is crucial for the global success of the group, as well as his deep knowledge of its key markets’. Commenting on his appointment, Marilly said, “Rémy Cointreau is today recognised for its unique centures-old heritage and its portfolio of exceptional brands. I will levearge my experience to pursue its value strategy and support the teams in a dynamic of sustainable performance.” In its most recent financial update, Rémy Cointreau reported an 18% drop in annual sales on an organic basis, totalling €984.6m. 33 IBP WINES & SPIRITS CHRONICLE Vine-Tastic! English Winemakers Raise a Toast to Climate Action Europe’s Wine Regions Hit Hardest by Climate Change, Says Study Vineyards across the South Downs are embracing climate action to produce gorgeous glasses of fizz more sustainably. European wine producers are grappling with more drastic effects of climate change than grape growers in other regions, new findings show. From solar panels, to energy-efficient equipment, rainwater harvesting and less fertilisers, producers in one of the UK’s winemaking hubs are finding innovative ways to do their bit for the planet. It comes as the South Downs National Park is one of the fastest-growing wine regions in Europe, with a 90 per cent increase in vineyard coverage over the past decade and an average of five new vineyards planted every year. The National Park’s sun-soaked slopes and chalky soils, reminiscent of northern France, are perfect for growing grapes, particularly to make sumptuous sparkling wines that rival some of the best in the world in quality, complexity and taste. Seven vineyards in and around the South Downs are now benefitting from climate action grants. The funding has come from West Sussex local authorities – comprising Arun, Chichester, Horsham and Mid Sussex District Councils, as well as West Sussex County Council and the South Downs National Park Authority – while the South Downs Trust, the official charity for the National Park, has been administering the fund. Chris Hannon, Sustainable Business Lead for the South Downs National Park, said, “The South Downs has become one of Britain’s premier winemaking regions and it’s a sector that is growing quickly, in part because of climate change and warmer summers. “It’s important that viticulture grows in an environmentally-sustainable way and that’s where this funding can really help. “It’s been wonderful working closely with our forward-thinking local authority partners to support producers and wineries, who are really keen to incorporate sustainability and nature-based solutions to create these wonderful wines.” 34 Art Tukker, who runs Tinwood Estate and is a second-generation farmer who took over the estate in 2006, said, “The grant funding to buy seed which directly improved the health of our soils and the biodiversity of our farm was invaluable. The insects, bees and other species feeding on the flourishing flowers in between our vines is wonderful to see!” Kate O’Norum, who runs The Ghost At The Feast, said, “This grant is an absolute game changer for our on-site micro winery. Packaging and transportation account for 40 per cent of a winery’s GHG emissions and the majority of that is the production and transportation of glass bottles. Our new closed-loop bottling system, which re-uses bottles from the onsite wine bar, will enable us to cut these emissions completely, and reduce our current recycling costs and emissions, getting us closer to our sustainability goals.” Michael Kennedy, CEO of Roebuck Estates, said, “We have always had the environment at the heart of Roebuck Estates, in fact we take our name from the roe deer that roam wild near our sites. In 2023, we took the decision to recruit an ecologist into our viticulture team to really help us drive our focus on improving soil health and encouraging biodiversity across our six sites. The climate action grant has allowed us to bring forward our plans to build a biodiversity pond in one of our sites. With the planting of a number of native plant species, we expect to encourage a whole host of insect, mammal and reptile life back into our vineyard, at a time when nature has been sorely challenged across the English countryside.” The study, published earlier this month in the PLOS Climate journal, studied 500 grape varieties and 10 climate measures and found climate change impacts have been ‘highly uneven across the world’s winegrowing regions and the impacts are variable across the growing season’. The report, compiled by researchers from Spain, France, the US and Canada, found unequivocally that Europe had been hardest hit in terms of the frequency of hot days throughout the harvest season. “By far the largest shifts are in European regions, where the number of hot days (more than 35C) and maximum growing season temperatures are several standard deviations higher than before significant anthropogenic climate change,” the study said. In a statement, Dr. Victor van der Meersch reaffirmed the difficulties for Europe’s winemakers. “For vines already near their heat limit and for regions in Europe that rarely saw such temperatures before, it’s a big challenge,” he said. While South America also recorded similar rises in ‘mean temperatures’, the researchers found it did not show the same increase in ‘extreme heat‘. Still, Dr. Wolkovich had some advice for wine producers to try to adapt to climate change. “We need more diversity in the grapes we grow. Choosing heat-tolerant varieties helps, but we also need to be mindful of when those grapes grow and ripen. Timing is everything.” INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 BUYERS GUIDE ALL entries with logos will be automatically linked to your website. Contact  bg@binstedgroup.com or  +44 (0)1256 263762 ACCUMULATING CONVEYORS (BOTTLE & CAN) BUYERS GUIDE Engineering Solutions for the Food and Beverage Packaging Industry Kensal BREWPACK LTD. 2 Sky Business Park, Eversley Way Egham, Surrey TW20 8RF T: 01784 431331 F: 01784 472313 E: sales@brewpack.co.uk W: www.brewpack.co.uk NEW OF AIR CONVEYOR SYSTEMS For ALL your Beverage & Composite Can Handling Requirements ASEPTIC FILLING SYSTEMS ALL YEAR ROUND VISIBILITY UNDER YOUR PARTICULAR SECTION OF EXPERTISE SINGLE DOUBLE COLUMN COLUMN Handling Systems www.kensal.com sales@kensal.com tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NR A new, sustainable aseptic processing also suitable for sensitive products. 1 entry £332 £435 3 entries £896 £1174 £1690 £2215 6 entries (all prices are for one year’s entry) Contact us on +44 (0)1256 263762 or bg@binstedgroup.com to discuss your requirements or for more information Air Conveyor System & Can Rinser Specialists SISMATICO UK LTD. Plumtree Farm Industrial Estate, Bircotes, Doncaster DN11 8EW United Kingdom t: +44 (0) 1302 719738 f: +44 (0) 1302 719222 e: info@sismatico-uk.com w: www.sismatico-uk.com ASSOCIATIONS THE BRITISH BOTTLERS’ INSTITUTE  info@bbi.org.uk  www.bbi.org.uk VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com 35 IBP BUYERS GUIDE AUTOMATIC LASER GUIDED VEHICLES BAG-IN-BOX FILLING LINES E80 GROUP LTD., Unit C2, The Chase, Foxholes Business Park, John Tate Rd, Hertford, SG13 7NN T. +44 (0)1992 240080 + E. e80.uk@e80group.com + www.e80group.com BLOW MOULDING MACHINERY BOTTLE & CAN DRYING MACHINES REACH SUPERIOR PACKAGING QUALITY AND LONG-TERM COMPETITIVENESS Sidel UK Ltd 3 Silver Court, Watchmead Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1LT, UK Tel: 01707 292820 Email: enquires.uk@sidel.com www.sidel.com Engineering Solutions for the Food and Beverage Packaging Industry BREWPACK LTD. 2 Sky Business Park, Eversley Way Egham, Surrey TW20 8RF T: 01784 431331 F: 01784 472313 E: sales@brewpack.co.uk W: www.brewpack.co.uk BOTTLE CONVEYORS BUYERS GUIDE Engineering Solutions for the Food and Beverage Packaging Industry ALL YEAR ROUND VISIBILITY UNDER YOUR PARTICULAR SECTION OF EXPERTISE Kensal BREWPACK LTD. 2 Sky Business Park, Eversley Way Egham, Surrey TW20 8RF T: 01784 431331 F: 01784 472313 E: sales@brewpack.co.uk W: www.brewpack.co.uk 36 Handling Systems www.kensal.com sales@kensal.com tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NR SINGLE DOUBLE COLUMN COLUMN 1 entry £332 £435 3 entries £896 £1174 £1690 £2215 6 entries (all prices are for one year’s entry) Contact us on +44 (0)1256 263762 or bg@binstedgroup.com to discuss your requirements or for more information INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 BUYERS GUIDE ALL entries with logos will be automatically linked to your website. Contact  bg@binstedgroup.com or  +44 (0)1256 263762 CAN RINSERS CAPSULING MACHINERY Air Conveyor System & Can Rinser Specialists SISMATICO UK LTD. Plumtree Farm Industrial Estate, Bircotes, Doncaster DN11 8EW United Kingdom For ALL your Beverage & Composite Can Handling Requirements CASE & TRAY ERECTORS t: +44 (0) 1302 719738 f: +44 (0) 1302 719222 e: info@sismatico-uk.com w: www.sismatico-uk.com CHANGE PARTS & SPARES Depalletisers Case Formers Case Packers Case Sealers Palletisers evolutionbps.co.uk 01721 724 296 CONVEYORS Engineering Solutions for the Food and Beverage Packaging Industry Kensal BREWPACK LTD. 2 Sky Business Park, Eversley Way Egham, Surrey TW20 8RF T: 01784 431331 F: 01784 472313 E: sales@brewpack.co.uk W: www.brewpack.co.uk VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com Handling Systems www.kensal.com sales@kensal.com tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NR Regina International Limited Tel: 01254 661116 Fax: 01254 59456 37 IBP BUYERS GUIDE CONVEYORS CONT. BUYERS GUIDE Air Conveyor System & Can Rinser Specialists ALL YEAR ROUND VISIBILITY UNDER YOUR PARTICULAR SECTION OF EXPERTISE SINGLE DOUBLE COLUMN COLUMN SISMATICO UK LTD. Plumtree Farm Industrial Estate, Bircotes, Doncaster DN11 8EW United Kingdom For ALL your Beverage & Composite Can Handling Requirements 1 entry £332 £435 3 entries £896 £1174 £1690 £2215 6 entries (all prices are for one year’s entry) t: +44 (0) 1302 719738 f: +44 (0) 1302 719222 e: info@sismatico-uk.com w: www.sismatico-uk.com Contact us on +44 (0)1256 263762 or bg@binstedgroup.com to discuss your requirements or for more information CONVEYORS (BOTTLE/CAN/AIR) CONVEYORS (CRATE, CARTON, PACK) Engineering Solutions for the Food and Beverage Packaging Industry Engineering Solutions for the Food and Beverage Packaging Industry Kensal BREWPACK LTD. 2 Sky Business Park, Eversley Way Egham, Surrey TW20 8RF T: 01784 431331 F: 01784 472313 E: sales@brewpack.co.uk W: www.brewpack.co.uk Handling Systems www.kensal.com sales@kensal.com tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NR BREWPACK LTD. 2 Sky Business Park, Eversley Way Egham, Surrey TW20 8RF T: 01784 431331 F: 01784 472313 E: sales@brewpack.co.uk W: www.brewpack.co.uk ELEVATORS, LOWERATORS & CONVEYORS DEPALLETISERS Engineering Solutions for the Food and Beverage Packaging Industry Kensal Handling Systems www.kensal.com sales@kensal.com tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NR 38 Kensal BREWPACK LTD. 2 Sky Business Park, Eversley Way Egham, Surrey TW20 8RF T: 01784 431331 F: 01784 472313 E: sales@brewpack.co.uk W: www.brewpack.co.uk Handling Systems www.kensal.com sales@kensal.com tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NR INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 BUYERS GUIDE ALL entries with logos will be automatically linked to your website. Contact  bg@binstedgroup.com or  +44 (0)1256 263762 END-OF-LINE AUTOMATION BUYERS GUIDE ALL YEAR ROUND VISIBILITY UNDER YOUR PARTICULAR SECTION OF EXPERTISE Kensal Handling Systems Plumtree Farm Industrial Estate, Bircotes Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN11 8EW T: +44 (0) 1302 711056 F: +44 (0) 1302 710802 E: Sales@BWIntegratedSystems.com W: www.BWIntegratedSystems.com www.kensal.com sales@kensal.com tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NR SINGLE DOUBLE COLUMN COLUMN 1 entry £332 £435 3 entries £896 £1174 £1690 £2215 6 entries (all prices are for one year’s entry) Contact us on +44 (0)1256 263762 or bg@binstedgroup.com to discuss your requirements or for more information FILLING MACHINES FILL ALL BEVERAGES IN ALL CONTAINERS, PRECISELY AND SAFELY Sidel UK Ltd 3 Silver Court, Watchmead Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1LT, UK Tel: 01707 292820 Email: enquires.uk@sidel.com www.sidel.com FILTERS AND FILTER MEDIA INSPECTION SYSTEMS LABELLING MACHINES The Beverage Filtration Specialists 8 Teal Court, Strathclyde Business Park Bellshill, ML4 3NN Contact: Scotland: 01698 840888 England: 01642 760555 Ireland: 021 206 1810 enquiries@johnmorfield.co.uk www.johnmorfield.co.uk VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com 39 IBP BUYERS GUIDE LABELLING MACHINES CONT. STAND OUT AND ADAPT QUICKLY WITH FLEXIBLE LABELING SOLUTIONS BUYERS GUIDE ALL YEAR ROUND VISIBILITY Sidel UK Ltd 3 Silver Court, Watchmead Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1LT, UK Tel: 01707 292820 Email: enquires.uk@sidel.com www.sidel.com UNDER YOUR PARTICULAR SECTION OF EXPERTISE LINE MODIFICATION & RE-MODELLING BOOST YOUR PERFORMANCE WITH EXPERT CONSULTING & ENGINEERING 1 entry SINGLE COLUMN £332 DOUBLE COLUMN £435 3 entries £896 £1174 6 entries £1690 £2215 (all prices are for one year’s entry) Contact us on +44 (0)1256 263762 or bg@binstedgroup.com to discuss your requirements or for more information Sidel UK Ltd 3 Silver Court, Watchmead Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1LT, UK Tel: 01707 292820 Email: enquires.uk@sidel.com www.sidel.com MACHINE INSTALLATION / INTEGRATION Kensal Engineering Solutions for the Food and Beverage Packaging Industry BREWPACK LTD. 2 Sky Business Park, Eversley Way Egham, Surrey TW20 8RF T: 01784 431331 F: 01784 472313 E: sales@brewpack.co.uk W: www.brewpack.co.uk 40 Handling Systems KENSAL HANDLING SYSTEMS LIMITED Kensal House President Way Luton Bedfordshire LU2 9NR Tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 Fax: +44 (0) 1 582 425 776 Email: sales@kensal.com Web: www.kensal.com Kensal Handling Systems, manufacture and supply a complete range of stainless steel conveyor systems, specialising in the UK Drinks & Beverages market. INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 BUYERS GUIDE ALL entries with logos will be automatically linked to your website. Contact  bg@binstedgroup.com or  +44 (0)1256 263762 PALLETISERS Kensal Handling Systems www.kensal.com sales@kensal.com tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NR E80 GROUP LTD., Unit C2, The Chase, Foxholes Business Park, John Tate Rd, Hertford, SG13 7NN T. +44 (0)1992 240080 + E. e80.uk@e80group.com + www.e80group.com PALLETISERS/DEPALLETISERS BUYERS GUIDE Depalletisers Case Formers Case Packers Case Sealers Palletisers evolutionbps.co.uk ALL YEAR ROUND VISIBILITY UNDER YOUR PARTICULAR SECTION OF EXPERTISE Kensal Handling Systems www.kensal.com sales@kensal.com tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 01721 724 296 Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NR SINGLE DOUBLE COLUMN COLUMN 1 entry £332 £435 3 entries £896 £1174 £1690 £2215 6 entries (all prices are for one year’s entry) Contact us on +44 (0)1256 263762 or bg@binstedgroup.com to discuss your requirements or for more information PASTEURISER MONITORS ENSURE THE BEST PACKAGING LINE EFFICIENCY WITH HOLISTIC AND FLEXIBLE END-OF-LINE SOLUTIONS Sidel UK Ltd 3 Silver Court, Watchmead Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1LT, UK Tel: 01707 292820 Email: enquires.uk@sidel.com www.sidel.com VISIT OUR WEBSITE | www.binstedgroup.com REDPOST ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS LTD. The Old Pumping Station Toft Road Bourn Cambridge CB23 2TT Tel: 01954 718001 www.redpostltd.com General Queries: contact@redpostltd.com Service Queries: service@redpostltd.com 41 IBP BUYERS GUIDE RINSERS ROBOTS BUYERS GUIDE Kensal ALL YEAR ROUND VISIBILITY UNDER YOUR PARTICULAR SECTION OF EXPERTISE SINGLE DOUBLE COLUMN COLUMN Handling Systems www.kensal.com sales@kensal.com tel: +44 (0) 1 582 425 777 Kensal House, President Way, Luton, LU2 9NR SHRINKWRAPPING EQUIPMENT HANDLE ALL THE MOST COMPLEX PRODUCT SHAPES AND SIZES WITH HIGH FLEXIBILITY 1 entry £332 £435 3 entries £896 £1174 £1690 £2215 6 entries (all prices are for one year’s entry) Contact us on +44 (0)1256 263762 or bg@binstedgroup.com to discuss your requirements or for more information Sidel UK Ltd 3 Silver Court, Watchmead Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL7 1LT, UK Tel: 01707 292820 Email: enquires.uk@sidel.com www.sidel.com TANKS & VESSELS (STAINLESS STEEL) WIREHOODERS Over 1,000 New & Used Stainless Steel Tanks & Vessels Available Immediately 01302 867 328 tanksandvessels.com sales@tanksandvessels.com 42 Supplying the Food & Beverage Industry for over 40 years INTERNATIONAL BOTTLER & PACKER | JULY 2025 A Binsted Publication Incorporating Packaging Digest As the leading monthly journal dedicated to the beverage industry, International Bottler & Packer prides itself on being the first with breaking news in the industry. Regarded as the definitive source of information for packaging specifiers worldwide. Each issue is committed to providing up-to-theminute industry observations, top name opinion pieces, as well as detailed editorial concerning the pressing topics of the time. Published monthly each issue includes specific feature articles, whilst regular sections include: News, World News, Business, Diary Dates, Packaging Digest, Appointments, Wine & Spirits, Classified and Buyers Guide. I would like to subscribe to International Bottler & Packer £65 UK | £109 Europe | £140 Rest of World Name___________________________________________________ Company__________________________________________________ Position__________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Email_____________________________________________________ Authorised by (PLEASE PRINT) _________________________________ Position___________________________________________________ Please debit my MasterCard/Visa with the following amount: £ Card No. . Expiry date / These are the last three digits on the back of your card CCV If personal card, please supply home address____________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signed________________________________________________________________________________ Date Return to: Binsted Group Ltd., Worting House, Church Lane, Basingstoke, RG23 8PY, UK  +44 (0)1256 263762  subs@binstedgroup.com  www.binstedgroup.com / / Supplying the the Food Food and and Beverage Beverage Supplying Industry for for over over 40 40 years years Industry OVER 1000 NEW AND USED STAINLESS STEEL OVER 1000 NEW AND USED STAINLESS STEEL TANKS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY TANKS AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY Stainless Steel Tanks: Stainless Steel Tanks: > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Bulk Storage Tanks Bulk Storage Tanks Mixing Tanks Mixing Tanks Process Vessels Process Vessels Insulated & Jacketed Tanks Insulated & Jacketed Tanks Bright Beer / Cider Tanks Bright Beer / Cider Tanks Juice Tanks Juice Tanks Fermentation Vessels Fermentation Vessels Pumps & Process: Pumps & Process: > > > > > > > > Positive Displacement Pumps Positive Displacement Pumps Centrifugal & Liquid Ring Pumps Centrifugal & Liquid Ring Pumps CIP Systems CIP Systems Filtration Filtration Services: Services: > > > > > > Removals and and Relocations Relocations Removals Installations Installations Service and and Repair Repair Service tanksandvessels.com tanksandvessels.com 01302 867 867 328 328 Call 01302 sales@tanksandvessels.com Email sales@tanksandvessels.com