Go-Pak Group Launches 100% Recycled PET Cups for Foodservice Market

Photo Credit: Go-Pak Group

Go-Pak Group, a UK-based food packaging manufacturer, has launched Clarity, a new range of clear cold-drink cups made from 100% recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). The cups are designed for cafés, foodservice operators and grab-and-go retailers, offering a recycled-content packaging option that can be recycled after use where suitable infrastructure is available.

The Clarity range is manufactured without virgin plastic, according to Go-Pak, and is aimed at businesses seeking to reduce their use of conventional plastic packaging while maintaining performance requirements for beverage applications. The company said the cups provide durability and clarity expected from cold-drink packaging while supporting recycled material use in the packaging supply chain.

The launch comes as foodservice businesses in the UK face increasing regulatory pressure around packaging waste management. Under the UK’s extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging system, known as pEPR, companies that supply or import packaging are taking on greater financial responsibility for the costs associated with collection, sorting and recycling.

Go-Pak said Clarity cups have received a green rating under the UK Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), indicating strong recyclability performance. The company also said the packaging format may help businesses reduce pEPR-related fees compared with less recyclable alternatives.

“Clarity has been developed for businesses that want to reduce their use of virgin plastic while continuing to offer reliable, high-quality drinks packaging,” said Alexandra Forsyth-Nash, Product Development Manager at Go-Pak. “Using 100% recycled PET gives procurement teams, sustainability leads and tender decision-makers a clear recycled-content claim.”

The cups also exceed the UK Plastic Packaging Tax requirement of at least 30% recycled plastic content, according to Go-Pak. The threshold allows qualifying manufacturers and importers to avoid the tax applied to packaging containing less than the required percentage of recycled plastic.

At the end of their useful life, rPET cups can be collected, sorted and processed into recycled material for new products when appropriate recycling systems are available. Go-Pak said the Clarity range is intended to support a more circular approach by keeping recycled PET within the material cycle.

Source: Go-Pak

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Go-Pak’s recycled PET cup launch reflects growing demand for foodservice packaging solutions that meet recycled-content requirements and evolving UK packaging regulations.