Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced an investment in Pipeline Organics, a climate tech startup hoping to revolutionise the generation of clean and renewable energy.
Pipeline Organics’ technology uses advanced chemistry and manufacturing processes to convert sugar-rich wastewater into a continuous supply of renewable electricity.
This breakthrough technology has the potential to power essential processes across CCEP’s sites, from lighting to powering production lines.
CCEP aims to scale this innovative technology by providing Pipeline Organics with access to its sites where the technology can be trialled, using the sugar-rich wastewater that is created as a by-product of drinks manufacturing.
CCEP has been steadily progressing towards its renewable electricity goals, with renewable electricity already used in 78% of its operations in 2023. By investing in breakthrough solutions like Pipeline Organics, CCEP aims to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies and drive positive change in the industry.
According to DataHorizzon Research, the Energy Drinks Market was worth USD 92.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to hit USD 220.9 billion by 2032, boasting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.2 %.
The surge in demand for energy drinks stems from their perceived ability to enhance both physical and cognitive performance. Market participants are promoting beverages devoid of sugar, glucose, and high fructose corn syrups as functional drinks that not only heighten alertness but also offer physical benefits.
Energy drinks have gained significant popularity as a supplement among teenagers and young adults in the United States, with a predominant consumption by men aged between 18 and 34. This surge in popularity can be attributed to the rising awareness of health and wellness, coupled with the increasing prevalence of sports activities among the younger demographic.
Recently, market players in the US have shifted their focus from targeting athletes to catering to the preferences of young consumers, reflecting the growing demand for mental alertness among this demographic.
Energy Drinks Market Report highlights:
The global energy drinks market growth is anticipated at a CAGR of 9.2% by 2032.
PepsiCo, Inc. announced two new nutrition goals as part of their strategic transformation to reduce sodium and provide essential sources of nutrition in the foods consumers reach for.
North America, particularly the US, has the highest per capita consumption worldwide. New product launches like ZOA cater to the increasing trend towards healthy organic diets.
In response to consumer preferences for healthier options, health-conscious brands are introducing a variety of sugar-free and calorie-free energy drinks. These products not only cater to the needs of athletes but also offer benefits for individuals who are overweight or obese. Additionally, sugar-free variants are particularly advantageous for those who are lactose intolerant.
Energy beverages, encompassing a wide range of options such as soft drinks, carbonated beverages, fruit and vegetable juices, beverage concentrates, ready-to-drink tea, and ready-to-drink coffee, are among the most commonly consumed beverages in the market. This diversity reflects the evolving preferences of consumers seeking convenient and functional beverages to support their active lifestyles.
Industry trends and insights:
Energy drinks are high-caffeine beverages that claim to improve physical and mental performance. Their popularity has contributed to the growth of the energy drinks market.
Monster Beverage Corporation acquired Bang Energy beverages and a production facility in Phoenix, Arizona, for approximately USD 362 million.
Energy drinks market segmentation:
By Product: Drinks, Shots
By Packaging: Cans, Bottles
By Distribution Channel: On-trade, Off-trade
By Region: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa.
Regional analysis
North America held the largest market share, with the US having the highest per capita consumption worldwide. The US has experienced a shifting trend toward a healthy organic diet due to increased awareness about overconsumption of caffeine beverages. Several new product launches, such as ZOA infused with vitamins and antioxidants, sustain the image of healthy energy drinks in the market.
Competitive analysis
The competitive landscape of the industry is characterized by a high degree of fragmentation, with global brands holding the largest market share, leveraging their extensive experience in regional markets. Leading players in this space include Red Bull, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co Ltd., PepsiCo. Inc., Monster Beverage, Lucozade, The Coca-Cola Company, Amway, AriZona Beverages USA, Living Essentials LLC, Xyience Energy, and others.
These companies have established partnerships with numerous retail and chain food service outlets, allowing them to maintain a strong presence across various sales channels. Their sustained market presence is reinforced by continuous product innovation and unique marketing strategies, which set them apart in this fiercely competitive industry.
New formulation of award-winning ingredient expands applications into sports and cognition products including RTDs and shots
Nektium has developed a new water-soluble formulation of its award-winning nootropic Zynamite® for cognitive and sports nutrition drinks.
Used to support mental and physical energy, Zynamite® is a Mangifera indica extract created from sustainably harvested mango leaves. The natural caffeine alternative has been the subject of 10 clinical studies and multiple industry awards since its launch in 2018, earning global recognition for its fast-acting, experiential benefits.
Nektium’s scientists have now created Zynamite® S to meet growing demand for innovative energy, sports and hydration drinks. It is designed for use in applications such as RTDs and shots where solubility, heat stability and transparency in solution are key.
Zynamite® S also has a neutral taste and is formulated to enable improved absorption of its bioactive component, mangiferin, which allows for reduced dosages.
Nektium Commercial & Partnership Director Bruno Berheide said: “Excessive caffeine intake is becoming a hot topic and there is high demand for alternatives that deliver instant power and energy that consumers can really feel. Zynamite® stands out as a non-stim energy alternative, naturally enhancing mental and physical energy in a smarter way – and without the side effects of caffeine. Our new Zynamite® S allows manufacturers the opportunity to formulate innovative beverages that can help consumers ‘get in the zone’ and perform at their best without suffering jitters and anxiety.”
Hybrid drinks
Zynamite® S can be used alone or in combination with caffeine to provide mental energy and focus as well as supporting physical energy, improved performance and recovery.
It is therefore ideally positioned to tap into the trend for hybrid beverages that blur the lines between energy and sports drinks. Innova Market Insights research shows that of the 56 % of consumers worldwide who regularly use hydration products in conjunction with their exercise routines, more than a third use energy drinks.1
Bruno Berheide added: “In today’s dynamic functional beverage market, many brands are innovating with hybrid products that offer both mental and physical energy. Zynamite® S is the perfect option for these products as it delivers clinically backed benefits for mental energy and sports performance within just one hour.”
Clinical benefits
Zynamite® is supported by a portfolio of safety data and its efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical studies in recognised journals.
Research has shown that, within one hour, a single dose of Zynamite® enhances mental energy and improves performance under fatigued conditions. In addition, it does not increase heart rate or blood pressure, avoiding the side effects associated with caffeine.2
In 2020, Nutrients published a clinical study examining its impact on cognitive performance in adults. It provided evidence that a single dose of Zynamite® significantly improved cognitive function and performance across a battery of cognitive tasks, including improved focus, improved memory and reduced mental fatigue.3
An independent study in Nutrients in 2024, meanwhile, examined the effects of a single dose of Zynamite® combined with quercetin on top basketball players in Greece during a basketball exercise stimulation test. Participants in the supplement group were faster, showing a statistically significant improvement in mean circuit lap time compared to those in the placebo group.4
1https://www.innovamarketinsights.com/trends/sports-and-energy-drink-trends/ 2López-Ríos, L. et al. ‘Central nervous system activities of extract Mangifera indica L.’ Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2020) 3Wightman, E.L. et al. ‘Acute Effects of a Polyphenol-Rich Leaf Extract of Mangifera indica L. (Zynamite) on Cognitive Function in Healthy Adults: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study’ Nutrients (2020) 4Bourdas, D.I. et al. ‘Effects of a Singular Dose of Mangiferin–Quercetin Supplementation on Basketball Performance: A Double-Blind Crossover Study of High-Level Male Players’ Nutrients (2024)
From today, 75 % of the electricity used to make Britvic soft drinks in Great Britain – from Fruit Shoot to Tango, Robinsons to J2O – is coming from a 160-acre solar farm in Northamptonshire.
Providing clean energy to factories in Rugby, London and Leeds, the ten-year solar power agreement covers three quarters of Britvic’s electricity needs in this country – with the aim of reaching 100 % solar powered operations in the near future.
The solar site, commissioned in January 2024 and operational from today, will generate 33 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy, enough to power the equivalent 11,500 homes. This could cut as much as 1,113 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the drink manufacturer’s supply chain each year – the equivalent of planting 260,000 trees.
Working with renewables provider Atrato Onsite Energy, the 650,000 square metre solar installation, will scale up to produce 28 MWp. This initiative is part of Britvic’s long-term commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Sarah Webster, Britvic’s Director of Sustainable Business, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to ensure that the some of the country’s most recognisable and much-loved soft drinks are powered by renewable energy.
“We know consumers want to buy more sustainable products, and this is another step towards reducing carbon emissions and our long-term sustainability targets.”
The project makes use of a former quarry site that is unsuitable for farming, with double-sided solar panels that use tracking devices to follow the sun, increasing efficiency by 10 %. The site will provide opportunities for allowing nature to flourish – a rewilding approach that will increase biodiversity.
The announcement is the latest milestone in Britvic’s Healthier People, Healthier Planet sustainability strategy. Last year Britvic signed an agreement to produce Ballygowan Mineral Water using 100 % renewable electricity from wind energy. The company also launched an £8 million project to improve energy efficiency and cut carbon emissions by 50 % at its Beckton site.
Gurpreet Gujral, Managing Director, renewable energy at Atrato Group said: “We are thrilled to complete this landmark and unique agreement with Britvic, reducing carbon emissions while delivering attractively priced energy. Our business model is all about designing unique structures for clients tailored to their energy consumption needs and real estate site constraints, while delivering on sustainability targets and lower energy costs.”
Chris Bowden, Managing Director of Squeaky Clean Energy, said: “Having pioneered the use of corporate power purchase agreements in the UK it has become abundantly clear that new and innovative contracting structures are needed to accelerate the transition to clean energy. The Squeaky team is incredibly proud to have scored another clean energy first with a unique power purchase agreement arrangement that enables Atrato to de-risk the financing of its project and Britvic to deliver on its Healthier People, Healthier Planet sustainability mission.”
About the data, originally provided by Britvic: Carbon dioxide reduction is calculated based on the CarbonFund’s assessment that a single kWh is responsible for 0.3712 kg of carbon dioxide.
Britvic plc announced the acquisition of the Extra Power energy drink brand in Brazil from GlobalBev. This marks an important extension of Britvic’s Brazilian operations, consistent with Britvic’s strategy to accelerate and expand its presence across Brazil.
With 42% market share in its core regions near Brasilia, Extra Power enables access to the fast-growing, high-margin energy category. In addition, the acquisition includes a modern, efficient warehouse in Brasilia that will enhance Britvic’s supply chain efficiency across its wider portfolio and route to market into Brazil’s Centre-West region. In the year to December 2022, the acquired portfolio generated R$118m of net sales, growing 26 % on the previous year.
Simon Litherland, Chief Executive Officer commented: “I am delighted by this acquisition, which enables us to enter the higher-margin energy category in Brazil. In line with our strategy to accelerate and expand our presence in the country, we will access a growing category, extend our regional presence and deliver efficiencies in our supply chain. I am confident this acquisition will accelerate our growth trajectory in one of our key markets and generate great value for our business.”
This acquisition gives Britvic a meaningful presence in Centre-West region (Distrito Federal & Goias), providing the opportunity to scale its existing brands into a region where the business has historically under-indexed, as well as bring the acquired brand into Britvic’s existing footprint.
Britvic first entered the Brazilian market in 2015 with the acquisition of Ebba, followed by the acquisition of Bela Ischia in 2017. Since then, Britvic has developed fruit favourites such as Maguary, Dafruta and Bela Ischia into strong national presences known for innovation.
The Maguary brand heritage dates back to 1953 and, similar to the European flavour concentrates brands, is consumed by families at home. This heritage and family awareness enabled Fruit Shoot to be launched in Brazil as Maguary Fruit Shoot – following the same principle Britvic has followed in Europe, where Robinsons and Teisseire are the halo brands. More recently the local team has expanded the brand’s presence further launching a plant-based chocolate drink. New category launches in recent years have included Puro Coco and Natural Tea, both of which are ready-to-drink formats in the coconut and iced tea categories. The expansion of the portfolio continued in 2020.
Dafruta Tropical was launched in the flavour concentrates category, utilising the technical know-how of the Robinsons formulation. This new range uses real fruit, has a range of flavours and is pre-sweetened, differentiating it from the traditional concentrates in Brazil which require sugar to be added by the consumer. More recently the portfolio has expanded with the launch of Britvic Mixers and the premium Mathieu Teisseire range of concentrates for cocktails.
The growth market for fruit drinks in Brazil is perfectly complemented by Britvic’s fruit growing and fruit processing company, Be Ingredient, providing natural ingredients for Britvic and the international market.
In the financial year 2022, Britvic generated £143m of revenue in Brazil.
The acquisition of Extra Power will be funded from existing internal resources and external debt facilities.
The acquisition will require regulatory clearance but is expected to be completed around the start of Britvic’s next financial year in October 2023.
Britvic, the FTSE 250 global soft drinks business, has partnered with Atrato Onsite Energy, a leading solar energy provider, to deliver clean energy to Britvic via an innovative 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Atrato’s new solar installation in Northamptonshire will generate energy exclusively for Britvic. It will have a total capacity of 28 MW and will be capable of generating 33.3 GWh pa of clean energy, the equivalent of powering 11,500 homes or planting 260,000 trees. The electricity generated will be enough to power 75 % of Britvic’s current operations in Great Britain, including its Beckton and Leeds factories, which can produce 2,000 recyclable bottles per minute for a portfolio of iconic brands including Tango, Pepsi and Robinsons.
As part of Britvic’s Healthier People, Healthier Planet sustainability mission to make a positive contribution to society, they are tackling their carbon footprint head on. Through innovation, utilising low carbon technology and energy sources, and establishing a more sustainable supply chain, Britvic is determined to play its part in securing a healthier future for the planet.
Britvic has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and has led the industry as the first UK soft drinks company to have a 1.5 °C target verified by the Science Based Targets initiative. Britvic has demonstrated its commitment to this goal, having reduced its direct carbon emissions by 34 % since 2017 and generated 57 % of its energy needs from renewable sources in 2022, up from 28 % in 20181.
Progress has been achieved through significant investments across Britvic’s manufacturing base. For example, Britvic has installed five biomass boilers in Brazil, delivered multiple energy saving projects, is investing £ 4 million in a heat recovery system at Beckton, and they’ve recently announced a new Corporate Power Purchase Agreement in Ireland that will ensure that Ballygowan, Ireland’s iconic water brand, is produced using 100 % renewable electricity harnessed from local wind energy.
In this latest milestone, Britvic’s agreement with Atrato has provided the investment security needed to build the new solar farm in an old quarry in Northamptonshire. This will see 28 MW of new additional renewable energy capacity created as a result of the deal.
Atrato will supply Britvic with solar electricity that is commercialised on a pay as you generate basis but is delivered on a baseload basis that is consistent to the consumption needs of the company. This innovative and long-term PPA has underwritten the Atrato’s investment into this solar project.
Atrato has fully financed the solar installation, which is expected to be commissioned in early 2024. In only 19 months since IPO, Atrato has built a portfolio of 40 solar sites across the UK. Atrato is the green energy solution provider of choice for many UK companies with an impressive client list of blue-chip corporates including Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Anglian Water, Nissan and Amazon.
1Britvic Annual Report 2022, page 3
The Scottish Government today announced that it has shelved plans to implement a ban on the sale of energy drinks to children.
Responding to the news, British Soft Drinks Association Director General, Gavin Partington, said: “We welcome this recognition from the Scottish Government that voluntary measures introduced by industry and implemented by many of our retail partners have had a significant impact on stopping the sale of energy drinks to children.
“The BSDA’s voluntary Code of Practice on energy drinks, which was introduced by and for our members in 2010, contains a number of stringent points on responsible marketing, meaning BSDA members do not market or promote energy drinks to under-16s, nor do they sample products with this age group. In addition, their energy drinks carry an advisory note stating ‘not recommended for children’.
“BSDA members remain committed to supporting the responsible sale of energy drinks.”
Leading soft drinks business, Britvic, is redoubling its efforts to cut carbon emissions and save energy – with £8 million of investment to improve efficiency at its London factory.
The project, which kicks off this year at its Beckton site, will see the installation of a new heat recovery system – cutting factory emissions by an estimated 1,200 tonnes annually – equivalent to the annual energy usage of around 500 UK homes.
Part funded by a £4.4 million government grant from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the new heat recovery system will see the soft drink manufacturer switching its heating from natural gas boilers to carbon free heat extractors.
Nigel Paine, Supply Chain Director, added: “At our Beckton site we produce 2,000 drinks every minute – including many of the nation’s favourites such as Robinsons, Tango and Pepsi MAX. We are constantly looking at ways to improve the way we create these products and I’m delighted that, as well as our own funds, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will be supporting us too. It means we can continue to supply the nation with great tasting drinks, while reducing our carbon footprint.”
With the help of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Industrial Energy Transformation Fund, this heat recovery system will take waste heat recovered from our existing systems, increase the temperature and redistribute it around the site using a new low temperature hot water network, replacing our carbon intensive steam system. This will decarbonise 50 % of the site’s heat demand by shifting its heat source away from fossil fuels.
Sarah Webster, Director of Sustainable Business, at Britvic, said: “This major investment represents a significant milestone in our journey to reduce our scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions in service of our science-based targets, and our Healthier People Healthier Planet sustainability strategy. The support from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has been integral to making this happen and it re-enforces our view that collaboration and partnership is critical to developing long-lasting meaningful solutions to protect the planet.”
With the project set to commence at the end of 2023, the move is a huge step towards Britvic’s commitment to reduce its direct emissions by 50 % by 2025 and to be net zero target by 2050, verified by the Science Based Target initiative. Britvic is making good progress having reduced its direct carbon emissions by 34 % since 2017.
Twenty-one years after Monster Energy first ripped onto the scene and changed the beverage industry forever – it’s finally here: Monster Energy Zero Sugar.
With a full launch in Q1 of 2023, consumers can finally enjoy the amazing taste of the flagship original Monster Energy Green… but without sugar.
With a re-tooled energy blend, an innovative new sweetener system and years of trial and error, Monster’s team of mad scientists finally perfected a concoction that is 100 % Monster and 0 % sugar. Primed with 160mg of caffeine – like its predecessor – Monster Energy Zero Sugar helps fight fatigue, improve mental performance and focus, and motivates you to work (and play) harder.
Performance Drink Group, Inc, a new force in the manufacturing of unique Sports Nutrition and Energy Drinks, announced that “Pro Boost”, a new 2 FL OZ (60 ml) zero-calorie, zero-sugar energy supplement drink, is now available to order in the US.
Pro Boost is available to order through www.proboostenergy.com and the Company has already begun taking pre-orders direct from retailers who see this as an explosive space to be entering. Consumers are able to place orders now through the website and product will start to be delivered both to retailers and consumers alike from June 1, 2022.
Management is focused on driving sales of Pro Boost by targeting distribution through specialty-supplement retail, as well as the traditional grocery and convenience store space. The direct to consumer model via the Company’s website is said to also be crucial in the success of the product.
James Gracely, Senior Vice President of Performance Drink Group stated that “Pro Boost will mobilize an often undervalued beverage consumer by focusing on the gamer/streamer community. Pro Boost will have a wide appeal in all classes of trade as we seek placement across a broad spectrum of high-impact high-volume retail end-points.”
In addition to energizers like Taurine, Malic Acid, N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine, Glucuronolactone, Caffeine, and L-Phenylalanine, Pro Boost features a robust burst of B Vitamins, including 100 % of the recommended daily value for Niacin, 2,000 % of the recommended daily value for Vitamin B6, 100 % of the recommended daily value for Folic Acid, and 8,333 % of the recommended daily value for Vitamin B12.
Pro Boost contains no calories, no sugar, no GMO, no gluten, no artificial colours, and no preservatives.
LIFEAID Beverage Company has released a new line of clean performance energy drinks. The FITAID Energy® collection is the long awaited clean-caffeine addition to their original Sports Recovery product, FITAID®, boosted with 200 mg of caffeine from green tea. The FITAID Energy + Sports Recovery blend is naturally sweetened with only 15 calories, no sucralose, no aspartame, no fillers, and no synthetic caffeine. Available in four electric flavours: Mango Sorbet, Peach Mandarin, Blackberry Pineapple, and an online exclusive Raspberry Hibiscus, FITAID contains no artificial flavours or colours.
“This is the evolution of energy. Energy 3.0,” says LIFEAID Co-Founder and President, Aaron Hinde. “FITAID Energy is unlike any other energy drink on the market. Our clean caffeine from green tea helps fight your fitness fatigue and contains our original post-workout recovery blend which includes BCAAs, Turmeric, Electrolytes, Vitamins B, C, D3, E, and more. All of our hand-picked ingredients have met the highest supplement standards and remain vegan, non-gmo, and gluten-free. Coupled with no sucralose, no taurine, and no synthetic caffeine, FITAID Energy is the future of clean performance energy.”
LIFEAID Beverage Company has long held itself to the highest standards of product design and formulation. The LIFEAID research and development team spent a year formulating an optimal blend of clean caffeine and quality supplements to give athletes an all-in-one solution without compromises. Each of the four flavours have a clean, crisp finish and avoid the synthetic aftertaste often associated with energy drinks.
FITAID Energy is available at the company’s website, Lifeaidbevco.com, Amazon, and select retailers in the U.S. including, Vitamin Shoppe, Harris Teeter, HEB, HyVee, Circle K, Stop & Shop, Big Y, United Market Street, G & M Oil.
Energy and raw material prices were already on very high level but surged even further after the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Those increases combined with availability issues have serious financial impacts on the flexible packaging supply chain. All main substrates used for flexible packaging such as plastics, paper and aluminium are concerned but also adhesives, lacquers and inks. The industry is confronted with the high energy prices in their direct operations manufacturing flexible packaging and logistics.
Even though the cost share for logistics is less than in other packaging sectors due to the low product to packaging ratio of flexible packaging and very efficient transportation (usually on reels) the absolute increase is very significant. Reports from forwarder associations even show the risk of reduction of available logistic capacities as companies will have to give up their operational business due to high diesel prices.
“The level of cost increases due this situation for manufacturers of the flexible packaging industry cannot yet be assessed completely but we are convinced that the peak is not reached yet,” commented Guido Aufdemkamp, Executive Director of Flexible Packaging Europe the situation.
“Main difficulties for our membership are the high uncertainty of serious pricing to their customers as many suppliers to the industry change their rates even after fixed delivery confirmation. Non-acceptance of such increases is often penalised by non-delivery or non-availability of the next order. Compared to the supplier and customer industry our sector is in a certain sandwich position. Furthermore, liquidity issues are of growing concern in particular for small- and medium-sized companies. That is combined with insufficient credit insurance lines due to high raw material prices.”
Almost half of the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) in Europe, excluding beverages, are packed with flexible packaging.
The pandemic has shifted consumer views towards their health across the globe. New research results show that this pursuit for health will have an influence on the energy product market, as consumers demand healthier alternatives to boost their struggling energy levels. The survey was conducted on behalf of BENEO with 5,000 consumers across Spain, France, Germany, Poland and the UK.
Improving mental wellbeing, overall mood and physical energy levels were some of the most important health aspects that gained momentum as a result of the pandemic. According to BENEO’s research, almost 1 in 3 consumers in Europe have been juggling with feeling tired and a lack of energy during the pandemic. In order to improve energy levels, half of those surveyed said that they have been looking to food and drink products to help them make it through the day. This figure rises even more amongst younger adults (18 – 34-year-olds), with 8 out of 10 young European consumers seeking out energy-boosting products (increasing to 85 % in the UK). The demands of parenting during a pandemic have also left their mark, with 7 out of 10 European consumers with children saying they have turned to food and drink to boost their energy levels (growing to 82 % in the UK).
As well as fatigue being an increasing issue, the pandemic has also made people more aware of the fragility of health and the need to look after themselves. More than ever before, consumers are making the link between their diet and their health, with 63 % making an increased effort to eat and drink healthier in the future because of the pandemic. Also, staying fit and active and having a balanced diet have been major concerns during the pandemic and 2 in 3 consumers now see a healthy diet as key to controlling their future health.
A common way of boosting energy is via energy drinks, which have a wide appeal – being consumed by parents, young adults and gamers to name but a few. However, in light of the current trends, many consumers are looking for products in these categories with healthier attributes, more natural ingredients or benefits of sustained energy. At the same time, awareness is growing amongst consumers that some types of sugar are healthier than others. Today, 1 in 2 consumers see sugars or carbohydrates that have a lower impact on blood sugar levels as enticing. Additionally, 2 in 3 consumers find BENEO’s Palatinose™ balanced sugar appealing because it supports a healthier lifestyle and provides sustained energy. This makes a compelling argument for the continued development of healthy alternative energy boosting products.
Myriam Snaet, Head of Market Intelligence and Consumer Insights at BENEO commented: “This survey quantifies the trend we have been seeing played out throughout the pandemic. The safeguarding of mental health and physical energy has now become key to European consumers. This higher interest in health and nutrition also links itself to an increased focus on preventative health, where blood sugar management can play a role. What is particularly interesting about this study is the significant size and diversity of the target group that is more interested in claims relating to balanced blood sugar levels. With such a broad appeal for healthy lifestyles, manufacturers who incorporate the balanced sugar, Palatinose™, into their products will be well set to make the most of this trend both today and in a post-pandemic world.”
Palatinose™, BENEO’s alternative sugar, is fully yet slowly digested and provides full carbohydrate energy but in a balanced and sustained manner, keeping blood glucose response under control. It occurs naturally in honey and is derived from sugar that is naturally extracted from sugar beets. Being low glycaemic, Palatinose™ enables manufacturers to create products that deliver energy in a more balanced way, while improving blood sugar management.
Although energy drinks have witnessed steady year-on-year (YOY) growth in the US recently, Coca-Cola has decided to discontinue its Coca-Cola Energy brand after 17 months in the market, in a bid to sharpen its product portfolio – a move that highlights the gap in the market for hybrid innovations, writes GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Holly Inglis, Beverages Analyst at GlobalData comments: “Coca-Cola Energy’s launch in the US was long awaited; despite the US market size, it was one of the latter markets to begin sales after many regions in Europe. At a time where the energy drinks market is flourishing, it is interesting that Coca-Cola has chosen to pause sales of a potential future cash cow.”
According to GlobalData, the US energy drinks market grew by 10 % in 2020* and was buoyed by a flurry of innovations such as Monster Mule ginger flavoured drink or Moonlight Wingman Smart Energy. Despite COVID-19 lockdown restrictions throughout the year, the category remained a key purchase choice for many consumers across the country.
In GlobalData’s latest survey, 73 %** of US consumers stated that energy boosting ingredients are nice to have, or essential to purchasing decisions. Interestingly, this comes at a time where health and wellness trends are prevailing and where energy drinks have, in the past, come under scrutiny for high sugar and unfavourable additive content. Manufacturers have worked to offset this by adding functional claims or unique flavour innovations to their beverages.
Inglis continues: “GlobalData’s survey found that 82 % of US consumers stated that immunity boosting ingredients have a positive influence on their purchasing decisions***, reinforcing that there is opportunity for beverage manufacturers to innovate energy drinks products that combine health and wellness claims with energy-boosting ingredients. The US energy drink market is highly competitive, so it is important that producers stay ahead of the curve in terms of beverage trends. It is plausible that Coca-Cola’s energy drink line risked falling behind in the long-term, due to a lack of flavour dynamics and health-halo claims.”
Despite COVID-19 restrictions across much of 2020, the US energy drinks market grew by a sizeable share and is expected to maintain a similar fate in 2021. Consumption from home is the new norm, and producers will continue to innovate retail offerings that promote this trend. Continued drive towards digestive health will persist, reflecting high potential for hybrid innovations that combine natural energy boosting ingredients with added vitamins and gut health claims.
*Data taken from GlobalData’s Annual Soft Market Analyser – US **GlobalData’s Q1-21 Consumer Survey Results – North America ***GlobalData’s Q1-21 Consumer Survey Results – North America – Combined responses: “Essential / Key driver of purchase” and “It is nice to have”
Natural energy and performance recovery brand, Resync, announced the newest Resync beverage, the first vegan ready-to-drink multisystem support drink on the market. The Resync beverage offers a convenient and delicious way to support the heart, immune and digestive system all in one eleven-ounce sparkling beverage.
The Resync beverage brings together the most critical ingredients to support the primary functional systems of the body, including immunity-boosting vitamin C that provides 555 % of daily value; seven grams of plant fiber and prebiotics to strengthen gut health; 200 mg of phenolic antioxidants to aid proper heart and immune system function; and a plant-based nitric oxide blend to support the heart and provide natural energy.
“Although the idea for the Resync beverage predated Covid-19, the pandemic became both my motivation and demand-based rationale to create the first vegan- and one of the healthiest overall-ready-to-drink beverages on the market,” said Resync, LLC founder and CEO Barbara Depta. “It is important to me that my premium line of natural energy and recovery improvement products support a moderately-active senior just as much it does my pro-athlete clients. The Resync beverage, as well as the entire line of Resync products, are both suitable for and accessible to everyone, anywhere, anytime.”
The functional support provided in one eleven-ounce can of Resync beverage brings together what would normally require three separate and distinct consumable products for the heart, immune and digestive systems. The aronia citrus flavour of the Resync beverage was born of the combination of natural ingredients: aronia berries, one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants; red beets, which are packed with fiber, folate, manganese, potassium, iron, and vitamin C for improved blood flow; and high-quality red spinach, which supplies nitric oxide, a critical molecule in our bodies that aids in increased blood flow and energy.
In the creation of her product line, Depta discovered that nitric oxide, delivered on the cellular level through the vascular system, could help provide nutrients to the entire body to support energy, heart health, and brain functionality, while supporting healthy inflammatory response due to exercise. It supports many essential reactions underneath the skin and has the potential to relax and widen blood vessels, allowing for more effective and efficient blood flow, nutrient delivery throughout the body. The plant-based nitric oxide blend is the primary element of every product in the Resync line.
Resync RTD can be purchased on Resync’s website at resyncproducts.com. The eleven-ounce cans are sold in packs of 12 for $69.99, or $59.49 with a monthly subscription.
The Resync beverage joins a full line of natural energy and performance support drinks and blends developed on the basis of scientific research, with registered dietitians, and performance testing. Resync uses third party testing certification for their supplement line, including NSF Certified for Sport and BSCG, to ensure all products are safe and free of banned substances. The full line, which offers Resync Recovery Blend and Resync Premium Collagen Peptides, is non-GMO, gluten free, sugar free, contains no artificial sweeteners, and is keto friendly. Resync is the trusted brand of registered dietitians, doctors, coaches and athletes around the world.
About Resync Barbara Depta created Resync in 2017 while she was traveling as a structural balance coach with one of the top NFL teams. Her goal was to develop products that didn’t exist for professional athletes and anyone who wants clinically tested, plant-based blends to sustain their energy, recover better post physical activity -products to help people feel their best, refuel their bodies, and support every layer of their connective tissue health.
Ball Corporation announced that it has executed two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in Europe – one for the Corral Nuevo project with wpd and one for the Brattmyrliden project with Falck Renewables – for a total of 93.4 megawatts (MW) of additional wind energy. These agreements are a testament to Ball’s long-term commitment to achieve and maintain 100 % renewable energy in Europe and will allow the company to address approximately 63 % of the European electricity load utilized in its aluminum beverage packaging plants (excluding Russia) with new renewable energy.
The wind developments in Spain and Sweden will collectively enable Ball to reduce its Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions generated in Europe by approximately 60 % compared to 2019 – equivalent to the carbon reduction that would be provided by removing more than 47,000 passenger vehicles from the road annually. Ball’s commitment is to address 100 % of its electricity footprint in the region with clean power. The company’s regional strategy is to pursue PPAs when and where they are available and attractive. To the extent Ball has not achieved 100 % clean energy in the region through PPAs, the company is purchasing Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs). It recently announced the purchase of EACs to fully cover its operations in the European Union, Serbia and the UK through 2020.
“These milestone renewable energy deals in Europe affirm Ball’s steadfast commitment to reduce absolute carbon emissions within our operations and through our value chain,” said Kathleen Pitre, chief commercial and sustainability officer. “Both projects will allow us to address a substantial portion of our European electricity use with new wind energy and accelerate progress toward our recently approved science-based targets.”
In 2019, Ball was one of the top ten corporate renewable energy buyers in the United States. Last April, the company announced it had executed a wind and a solar VPPA for 388 MW of new renewable energy to address 100 % of its North American electricity load by 2021.
The VPPAs in Spain and Sweden demonstrate Ball’s industry-leading efforts to quickly expand on its renewable energy successes in North America as a major force driving new clean energy growth in global markets. Scheduled to come online in 2021, Ball’s share of the Corral Nuevo and Brattmyrliden wind projects will generate nearly 308,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable electricity in Europe each year—equivalent to the electricity load of approximately 10 Ball beverage packaging plants.
Ball is the first company in the can making industry to adopt approved science-based targets, which seek to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. By 2030, the company aims to reduce absolute carbon emissions within its own global operations by 55 % and within its value chain by 16 % against a 2017 baseline.
The company recently achieved another first for global can manufacturers by earning Aluminum Stewardship Initiative Certification for all 23 of its EMEA beverage plants.
Following the news that PepsiCo is set to buy Rockstar Energy Beverages; Andy Morton, Drinks Deputy Editor at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:
“This agreement will fill a gaping hole in PepsiCo’s beverage portfolio just as The Coca-Cola Co looked to have the drop over its historic rival in global energy drinks.
“In recent years, Coca-Cola has taken a minority stake in Monster Energy owner Monster Beverage Corp and launched its own energy drink under the Coca-Cola brand. The moves targeted fast growth in energy that has stolen share from carbonated sodas such as Coke and Pepsi and threatened the traditional business strategies of the larger beverage multinationals.
“As Coca-Cola cosied up to Monster, PepsiCo’s lack of action in energy became more apparent. Energy offerings from PepsiCo so far have largely been from its Mountain Dew soft drinks brand, with niche consumers such as gamers served with the likes of Amp Game Fuel and athletes with a caffeinated version of Gatorade called Bolt24.
“The Rockstar acquisition hands PepsiCo an off-the-peg solution to its lack of a bespoke energy brand while offering new angles for those already in its portfolio. According to GlobalData, Rockstar accounts for just 4 % of the global energy drinks market by value, but the company offers a platform to bigger things.
“The purchase also sounds the starting gun for a new frontier in PepsiCo and Coca-Cola’s beverage war as the world’s biggest soda companies finally get serious in energy.
“For years, the global energy drinks market was dominated by the upstart Red Bull. Recently, however, Monster – buoyed by a sea of cash from domination in the US – has closed the gap by stretching its tentacles beyond the country, with exports boosted by a distribution agreement with Coca-Cola. With Rockstar now set to join PepsiCo, it too could become a global player and expand beyond its current few dozen export markets.
“There’s much to play for – according to GlobalData, the global energy drinks market grew by 8.9 % in 2018, making it the fastest-growing category in non-alcoholic beverages. That growth was driven by Asia (+18.7 %), Eastern Europe (+16.9 %) and Africa (+14.0 %). China, meanwhile, became the world’s biggest energy drinks market after overtaking the US, signalling that the real action in the category lies beyond PepsiCo and Coca-Cola’s developed markets.
“Prepare to be buzzed – the energy drinks showdown is going global.”
PepsiCo, Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Rockstar Energy Beverages (“Rockstar”), the popular energy drink maker, for $3.85 billion.
Ramon Laguarta, PepsiCo Chairman and CEO (Photo: PepsiCo)
“As we work to be more consumer-centric and capitalize on rising demand in the functional beverage space, this highly strategic acquisition will enable us to leverage PepsiCo’s capabilities to both accelerate Rockstar’s performance and unlock our ability to expand in the category with existing brands such as Mountain Dew,” said PepsiCo Chairman and CEO, Ramon Laguarta. “Over time, we expect to capture our fair share of this fast-growing, highly profitable category and create meaningful new partnerships in the energy space.”
Rockstar, founded in 2001, produces beverages that are designed for those who lead active lifestyles from athletes to rock stars. Rockstar products are available in over 30 flavors at convenience and grocery outlets in over 30 countries. PepsiCo has had a distribution agreement with Rockstar in North America since 2009. In addition to Rockstar, PepsiCo’s energy portfolio includes Mountain Dew’s Kickstart, GameFuel, and AMP.
“We have had a strong partnership with PepsiCo for the last decade, and I’m happy to take that to the next level and join forces as one company,” said Russ Weiner, Rockstar’s founder and creator of the world’s first 16oz energy drink. “PepsiCo shares our competitive spirit and will invest in growing our brand even further. I’m proud of what we built and how we’ve changed the game in the energy space.”
PepsiCo has also entered into an agreement, which will provide approximately $0.7 billion of payments related to future tax benefits associated with the transaction, payable over up to 15 years. PepsiCo does not expect the transaction to be material to its revenue or earnings per share in 2020. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, and is expected to close in the first half of 2020.
Centerview Partners LLC acted as financial advisor to PepsiCo. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP acted as lead counsel to PepsiCo, and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP as U.S. tax and antitrust counsel. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as financial advisor to Rockstar, with King & Spalding acting as Rockstar’s legal counsel.
With mousesports and Prime League Rockstar Energy goes all in on e-sports in 2020
Rockstar Energy will intensify on being “Louder. Harder. Drüber.” in 2020: for years the energy drink brand has been very active in the gaming scene and this year Rockstar Energy is stirring up the strongly growing e-sports sector with the global team sponsoring of mousesports and the league sponsoring of Prime League. Gaming-affine fans can count on energetic activations in the style of Rockstar Energy.
As of now Rockstar Energy kicks off the premium partnership with the German #1 e-sports team mousesports (“mouz”). mousesports are internationally successful and currently #2 in the Counter-Strike world ranking. The team stands for top performances in Counter-Strike, League of Legends and many other games.
Just as exciting is the cooperation of Rockstar Energy as official advertising partner with the #1 e-sports Liga Prime League for “League of Legends” in the DACH region. Prime League is the official circuit of the American computer game developer Riot Games for Germany, Austria and Switzerland and the largest tournament platform for the #1 gaming title “League of Legends”1 in this region. mousesports also performs in the Prime League and could celebrate its triumph in 2019.
With these powerful partnerships in the e-sports sector, Rockstar Energy is taking its gaming activation to new dimensions and is focusing especially on areas relevant to energy. “The partnerships with mousesports and the Prime League provide a real added value for our target group, as they meet their interests exactly”, says Carl Windfuhr, Commercial Director Beverages PepsiCo. “Therefore we are taking Rockstar Energy’s success story to a new level that our retail partners will also benefit from”.
Rockstar Energy will be represented as jersey sponsor for all the teams of mousesports as well as through instream placements. At Prime League, Rockstar Energy will be involved in instream and in the Top 5 Plays, providing players and fans alike with the necessary Rockstar Energy kick for a legendary performance. In addition to multi-packs and on-pack promotions with great prizes Rockstar Energy is taking it up to the max: e-sports fans can expect meet & greets with mouz, cool raffles and exciting content. Another highlight is the Prime League final during Gamescom 2020, taking place in Cologne at the end of August.
Striking communication measures support the new cooperations with mousesports and the Prime League. With social media activities in particular – such as on the live gaming platform Twitch – the brand is addressing the young and gaming-affine target group in its unique “Louder. Harder. Drüber.” style. Other digital measures and PoS campaigns are also being carried out to position Rockstar Energy even more strongly as the brand for the gaming scene.
SIG has set a bold new climate target that is one of the first in its industry to be approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) as being in line with the latest climate science to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to prevent the worst effects of climate change. SIG is committed to cutting its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 60 % by 2030 (from the 2016 baseline).
The ambitious new target places SIG among an elite group of companies leading efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the global Paris Agreement to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.
Around 300 companies have targets approved by the SBTi. Fewer than 100 are currently approved as being in line with the 1.5°C goal. SIG is one of the first in its industry to have a 1.5°C target approved by the SBTi.
SIG’s new target compresses the timeline to achieve a 60 % absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by a full 10 years compared with its previous target, which was already approved by the SBTi as in line with keeping global warming well below 2°C.
A strong focus on renewable energy underpins the company’s efforts to achieve this target. SIG has already switched to 100 % renewable electricity for global production and is exploring opportunities to expand on-site renewables, such as its award-winning rooftop solar array in Thailand.
SIG is not only committed to cutting emissions from its own operations. The company also commits to reduce value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 25 % per litre packed by 2030 (from the 2016 baseline). This target includes scope 1, scope 2 & scope 3 emissions from Purchased Goods and Services, Use of Sold Products, and End of Life Treatment.
“The world’s most sustainable company 2019” ranks no. 2 on Corporate Knights’ list for 2020
Today, Corporate Knights, a specialized Toronto-based media and investment research firm, published their annual ranking “Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World” 2020 in Davos, Switzerland. Last year’s no. 1 in the ranking, global bioscience company Chr. Hansen, cements its position at the top by coming out second on the list for 2020.
A catalyst for change
The renewed ranking in the world elite of most sustainable companies comes after a remarkable 2019 for the 145-year-old company. Highlights of the year included the no. 1 position on Corporate Knights’ list, inclusion on Fortune Magazine’s Change the World List of 50 companies that do well by doing good and the Golden Peacock Global Award for Sustainability presented in London as recently as November.
Another milestone in Chr. Hansen’s sustainability journey was reached when the company announced a groundbreaking agreement with Better Energy of switching 100 % to green electricity from two new solar parks, wind energy and bio gas for its Danish operations by April 2020. Through its engagement in establishing the new solar parks, Chr. Hansen is contributing positively to the transition to green energy in Denmark as a whole. While its Danish operations account for almost half of the company’s total electricity consumption, the model is scalable and can be introduced in other countries going forward.
The background for ranking Chr. Hansen the second most sustainable company in the world 2020:
Chr. Hansen improved its total score against Corporate Knights’ indicators. Although this was not enough for a first place this year, the company is still ranked as the number 1 most sustainable food ingredient company.
Clean revenue: Chr. Hansen has been able to account for and document its direct product impact on the UN Global Goals. 82 % of the revenue directly supports the UN Global Goals, and PWC has reviewed the methodology to document this.
The UN Global Goals are used as a framework to link the impact of the corporate strategy to sustainable development, and the performance is measured and reported on an annual basis.
Environmental performance: Chr. Hansen scored high relative to its peers on its environmental performance, specifically related to energy, CO2, water and waste. Continuously reducing its environmental footprint has been a priority during the past year. During 2019 it led to the partnership with Better Energy where Chr. Hansen committed to switching 100 % green electricity from two new solar parks, wind energy and bio gas for its Danish operations by April 2020
Diversity: Chr. Hansen score high on % of female directors, and also get some points from female senior executives and sustainability pay link
About Corporate Knights and the ranking “Global 100” Corporate Knights Inc., the company for clean capitalism, includes the sustainable business magazine Corporate Knights and a research division that produces rankings and financial product ratings based on corporate sustainability performance. The Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World is an annual project initiated by Corporate Knights. Launched in 2005, the Global 100 is announced annually on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Refresco announces that it has entered into an agreement with AZPACK (Arizona Production & Packaging) to acquire their manufacturing activities located in Tempe, Arizona, USA. With this agreement, Refresco further expands its footprint in North America to enable strategic growth in this region. Refresco became the world’s largest independent bottler with leadership positions across Europe and North America following the acquisition of Cott’s bottling activities last year.
Hans Roelofs, CEO Refresco Group, explains: “North America is a large and very diverse market with a lot of growth potential in different drinks categories. Our current footprint consists of 27 locations in North America, serving national and international branded beverage companies and retailers. With the addition of AZPACK to the Refresco Group, we will be even better positioned to service customers in the Southwestern USA across many categories, including energy drinks and innovative sports drinks. AZPACK will have a specialist role in the Refresco Group, as they are known for their expertise in manufacturing complex niche products for branded beverage companies.”
Adds Peter Reilly, Co-Founder of AZPACK: “We have grown our company significantly over the past decade, but recognize the need for a different and larger platform in order to continue to grow and thrive. Both Dr. Wang and I will stay on as managers to support this next growth phase. Refresco is a very experienced beverage solutions provider and they value entrepreneurship and flexibility as much as we do. Our can-do mentality perfectly matches their approach to serving customers.”
Coca-Cola has rolled out a new energy drink – Coca-Cola Energy – in Vietnam as part of the company’s larger focus to evolve into a complete beverage company and offer the Vietnamese consumers a wide range of drinks to cater the different lifestyles and occasions, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
According to GlobalData’s 2018 Q4 Consumer Survey, around 41 % of Asia-Pacific (APAC) consumers prefer to experiment with new kind of soft drinks and around 40 % of them are willing to pay more for better quality soft drinks.
Shagun Sachdeva, Consumer Insights Analyst at GlobalData, says: “Soft drinks brands have been coming across increased competition amidst intensifying scrutiny of sugar-sweetened beverages and corresponding consumer efforts to make healthier choices. Against this backdrop, they are mapping out the wellness considerations for the products they are offering to attract a niche market of specialists such as sports enthusiast and athletes, whilst also appealing to the mainstream of active lifestylers.”
An analysis of GlobalData’s Market Analyzer reveals that APAC energy drinks market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9 % from US$24.7bn in 2018 to US$36.2m in 2023. The Vietnamese energy drinks market is expected to reach US$1.46bn by 2023 from US$1.34bn in 2019.
Sachdeva adds: “Energy drinks have become a key thrust for Coca-Cola to rejuvenate growth in the APAC soft drinks market. The company is quick to understand that soft drinks category needs an image makeover. As a result, it is breaking the long-standing lead in Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSDs) by expanding its range of drinks portfolio to tap the correct set of active and time-scarce consumers and embracing innovation to sustain a highly competitive marketing profile.”
The other factors contributing to the emerging growth of the Vietnam energy drinks’ market are improving economic climate, socio-political stability and likelihood of stringent regulations as the Ministry of Finance has proposed a new sugar tax of 10% on sugary drinks from 2019.
Sachdeva concludes: “The launch comes at a time when most of the beverage companies are going beyond soda and there is growing competition in the carbonated market following the influx of countless other carbonated brands. Even though, Coca-Cola is already offering energy drinks under the brand name Monster, the company’s decision to launch energy drinks under its trademark will reinforce local identity, foster reassurance, create emotional resonance among the consumers and further deepen brand’s equity in Vietnam.”
Research from Swansea University has found how plastics commonly found in food packaging can be recycled to create new materials like wires for electricity – and could help to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the future.
While a small proportion of the hundreds of types of plastics can be recycled by conventional technology, researchers found that there are other things that can be done to reuse plastics after they’ve served their original purpose.
The research, published in The Journal for Carbon Research, focuses on chemical recycling which uses the constituent elements of the plastic to make new materials.
While all plastics are made of carbon, hydrogen and sometimes oxygen, the amounts and arrangements of these three elements make each plastic unique. As plastics are very pure and highly refined chemicals, they can be broken down into these elements and then bonded in different arrangements to make high value materials such as carbon nanotubes.
Conversion of plastics to carbon nanotube materials (Foto: Swansea University)
Dr Alvin Orbaek White, a Sêr Cymru II Fellow at the Energy Safety Research Institute (ESRI) at Swansea University said: “Carbon nanotubes are tiny molecules with incredible physical properties. The structure of a carbon nanotube looks a piece of chicken wire wrapped into a cylinder and when carbon is arranged like this it can conduct both heat and electricity. These two different forms of energy are each very important to control and use in the right quantities, depending on your needs.
“Nanotubes can be used to make a huge range of things, such as conductive films for touchscreen displays, flexible electronics fabrics that create energy, antennas for 5G networks while NASA has used them to prevent electric shocks on the Juno spacecraft.”
During the study, the research team tested plastics, in particular black plastics, which are commonly used as packaging for ready meals and fruit and vegetables in supermarkets, but can’t be easily recycled. They removed the carbon and then constructed nanotube molecules from the bottom up using the carbon atoms and used the nanotubes to transmit electricity to a light bulb in a small demonstrator model.
The research team plan to make high purity carbon electrical cables using waste plastic materials and to improve the nanotube material’s electrical performance and increase the output, so they are ready for large-scale deployment in the next three years.
Dr Orbaek White said: “The research is significant as carbon nanotubes can be used to solve the problem of electricity cables overheating and failing, which is responsible for about 8 % of electricity is lost in transmission and distribution globally.
“This may not seem like much, but it is low because electricity cables are short, which means that power stations have to be close to the location where electricity is used, otherwise the energy is lost in transmission.
“Many long range cables, which are made of metals, can’t operate at full capacity because they would overheat and melt. This presents a real problem for a renewable energy future using wind or solar, because the best sites are far from where people live.”
The first energy drink under the Coca-Cola brand will launch in Europe in April, the company announced.
Coca-Cola Energy, which will debut in Spain and Hungary, features caffeine from naturally-derived sources, guarana extracts, B vitamins and no taurine – all with a great Coca-Cola taste and feeling that people know and love. A no-sugar, no-calorie option also will be available. Both will be offered in 250-ml cans.
As a total beverage company, Coca-Cola continues to evolve its portfolio to bring people more of the drinks they want – from organic teas, to juices, to enhanced waters, to ready-to-drink coffees, to new variants of Coca-Cola. The launch of Coca-Cola Energy is the latest articulation of this strategy.
A visual identity and marketing campaign will support the launch of Coca-Cola Energy, which is designed primarily for young adults, age 18 to 35. The new brand will be promoted in line with The Coca-Cola Company’s responsible marketing guidelines. These include, in line with UNESDA (European Soft Drink Association) guidelines, no sampling in proximity to primary and secondary schools and never promoting mixing with alcohol.
US sales of cannabis-based drinks jumped to EUR 86 million in 2018, according to the new 2019 US CBD Drinks Report from food and drink experts Zenith Global and US industry newsletter Beverage Digest. The market is expected to rapidly achieve mass market appeal, surging to over USD 1.4 billion in 2023, even with some regulatory restrictions remaining.
“Key growth drivers for CBD drinks include loosening regulatory implementation, investment by major brewers and innovation by numerous start-ups,” commented Zenith Global Chairman Richard Hall. “This has led to far greater awareness and availability.”
“A cultural shift in consumption also contributes. Consumers increasingly look for natural products with health benefits and are reducing their alcohol intake,” added Beverage Digest Executive Editor Duane Stanford. “CBD drinks are positioned as a potential aid for conditions from anxiety to muscle pain.”
The United States, in particular, has been a hot spot for CBD drink innovation. The category received a potential boost in December with passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which removed hemp from Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act.
Cannabis has two main active constituents – CBD and THC. THC is the element that gives an emotional high and has not been licensed for consumer products. CBD, which is an abbreviation of cannabidiol, has some reported benefits and is in the process of gaining the necessary approvals for consumer products.
The quantity of CBD in beverages varies from 2 mg to 100 mg per litre. The 2019 US CBD Drinks Report profiles more than 20 brands which span numerous segments such as soda, tea, cold brew coffee, shots, energy drinks, water (still, sparkling and flavored) and beer.
This report also assesses opportunities for other CBD products, international prospects and developments in US legislation.
Biggest privately financed rooftop solar panel on the east coast of Thailand
It is one of the biggest and most impressive innovations in Eastern Seaboard Industrial Park. The gigantic rooftop solar panel on the SIG packaging plant in Rayong, Thailand, is the largest of its kind in the entire region and has now been officially opened.
According to its Power Development Plan, Thailand wants to cover 40 % of its electricity requirements from renewable energy sources by 2036 – a goal that SIG has already achieved. All SIG production plants worldwide are already powered by green electricity. In order to produce some of this itself, the Rayong packaging plant built its own photovoltaic system in cooperation with Symbior Solar.
Solar cells are one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources. To install this huge solar roof supports SIG’s commitment to becoming a net-positive company by contributing more to the society and the environment than it takes out across the value chain.
The installation of the solar roof on the SIG production plant is a result of the close cooperation between SIG and Symbior Solar, who designed and installed an effective solar photovoltaic (PV) system at the roof the SIG production plant in Rayong. Covering an area of 17,664 sqm, this solar project with 9,048 solar panels can produce up to 4,431 megawatt hours of electricity per year which in turn reduces CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions by up to 90 %, whilst also saving electricity cost. SIG packaging plant in Rayong can now proudly claim the title of being the biggest solar PV installation in the entire Eastern Seaboard Industrial Park. It is thus the largest privately financed photovoltaic system on an industrial site on the entire east coast of Thailand.
Some key facts:
The production plant in Rayong is the first in the world of our SIG production plants to use a solar roof to generate energy.
Installation Capacity: 3.3 MW
Power generation 4,431 MWh/year
CO2 reduction: 2,242 tons/year (0.506 kg/kWh)
Total solar cells: 9,048 panels installed
The solar PV module covers 17,664 sqm on SIG Rayong plant’s roof.
As the government contemplates a ban on the sale of energy drinks to children in England, Jonathan Davison, Beverage Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, gives his view on the news: “Considering a ban on energy drinks sales in the UK defined by age might seem premature given the already pervasive impact of the recently introduced sugar tax. A handful of energy drinks brands have reformulated their products and the *22 % volume sales increase of low calorie energy drinks in the UK in 2017 v 2016 would suggest the industry is making progress.
“Such action from the government would of course have an effect, but if reducing caffeine and sugar intake is the goal another approach could simply be to look at capping energy drink pack sizes instead. Larger energy drink pack formats have fast become the norm in the UK, particularly 50cl which has more than doubled in volume over the last 10 years to dominate the category. Limiting energy drink pack sizes to 25cl and below, and potentially the quantity that can be purchased, could go some way to addressing the current concerns without the need for an outright ban.”
