Pulpex starts production at first commercial fibre bottle plant near Glasgow

Pulpex has started production at its first commercial-scale fibre bottle plant near Glasgow, with initial capacity of 40 million units a year and an ambition to scale to 1 billion units. More than 90% of the plant's capacity for the current financial year has already been secured, including by Purely Scottish Natural Mineral Water and smol.

Why this mattersFirst industrial-scale supply of plastic-free fibre bottles gives brand owners an alternative to PET and glass, and gives licensees a route into the format regionally.

• The plant near Glasgow started commercial production in October 2026 with initial capacity of 40 million units a year.
• Long-term target is 1 billion units globally.
• More than 90% of the plant's capacity for the current financial year is secured; early adopters include Purely Scottish Natural Mineral Water and smol.
• Pulpex is backed by a consortium including Diageo, Unilever, PepsiCo and Kraft Heinz.
• Swiss manufacturer Perlen Industrieholding holds licence rights for Switzerland, Austria, Italy and southern Germany.
• India-based Alternicq holds exclusive development rights for India and the Gulf Cooperation Council.