We are pleased to announce our strategic collaboration with Again, a UK-based technology start-up, to wash and process refillable PET (refPET) bottles using their proprietary CleanCell® technology. This partnership marks a significant shift in the UK’s circular packaging landscape, moving away from centralized, high-CapEx infrastructure toward a modular, decentralized model.
By integrating our 30 years of expertise in refillable PET with Again’s advanced processing facilities, we are making reusable packaging as affordable and scalable as single-use, providing a viable path for brands to meet upcoming reuse mandates without the traditional barriers to entry.
We are excited to offer more packaging options to brands to shift into reusable beverage packaging by using Petainer’s refillable PET bottles.
Brian, Chief Partnerships Officer for Again
The Again model utilizes CleanCells®, which are advanced packaging processing facilities housed within mobile shipping containers. These units can be deployed directly at FMCG production sites or near retailer distribution centers. This proximity is critical for the financial logic of a refillable system, as it drastically reduces the carbon footprint and logistics and costs associated with transporting empty containers to a central wash plant.
While CleanCells® were initially engineered for glass, we have collaborated with Again to optimize the technology for refillable PET. PET requires specific thermal and mechanical handling (distinct from glass) to ensure the container remains structurally sound over multiple cycles. Again now processes our returnable PET to a quality level identical to the standards expected by our most established European refillable customers.
| Feature | CleanCell® for Glass | CleanCell® for Petainer refPET |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Handling | Standard abrasive resistant | Low-friction polymer contact |
| Thermal Profile | High heat | Calibrated PET-safe wash cycle |
| Inspection Grade | Standard optical | High-precision finish and wall integrity |
| Carbon Impact | High transport weight | Lightweight; 90% lighter than glass |
Refillable packaging has been a core pillar of our business for decades. In markets like Germany, we have seen collection rates as high as 98% for refillables. This success is driven by two factors: producer investment in recovery and consumer participation through deposit systems.
Refillable bottles are set to make a comeback in 2023 and beyond. Once ubiquitous, many brands shifted to single use bottles to save on costs. What Again can provide is a low-cost option for producers to return to or start filling in refillable bottles. Again present an exciting, scalable opportunity to many fillers, removing a substantial amount of cost from entering the refillable space, removing the need for investment in washing machines, inspection machines and space to hold them. We’re delighted that they have been able to adapt their technology to support refPET as well as refGlass, as we know that PET, being more lightweight, is cheaper and more carbon efficient to transport. We can see in Europe that legislation on refillables is being formed, and we encourage brands to begin exploring refillable solutions. We’re pleased to continue working with Again as they expand into markets Petainer has experience in; Western Europe and the Americas.
Craig Pope, Commercial Director EMEA
As Craig Pope, our Commercial Director EMEA, notes, refillable bottles are positioned for a significant return. By removing the cost and space barriers associated with traditional washing lines, we are enabling brands to explore refillable solutions that were previously out of reach. We continue to advocate for the adoption of refillable PET as it is lighter and more energy-efficient to transport than glass alternatives.
We are proud to work with Again as they expand their footprint across the UK and eventually into the Americas and Western Europe. This partnership ensures that Petainer customers can package their products responsibly, with high-performance, circular solutions that do not compromise on quality or cost.
