Seeing opportunity in Alcan's restructuring plans, UK's Esterform Packaging has acquired Petplas Packaging from the Canadian company. The UK market for PET bottles is growing. Euromonitor forecasts that the demand PET bottles will grow by 28 per cent annually as they continue to substitute metal beverage cans in carbonates. Increased consumption of still bottled water, RTD tea and sports drinks, as consumers attempt to adopt healthier habits, will also contribute to the strong performance of PET bottles.

The Petplas acquisition makes Esterform the largest privately owned PET preform and bottle manufacturer in the UK, spokesperson Jane Jackson said. The company has a manufacturing plant in Tenbury Wells. Alcan's Leeds plant will give it another. "The acquisition is wholly in line with Esterform's targeted growth strategy," said spokesperson Jane Jackson. "It ensures continued investment for its expanded customer base, and a scale of operation to meet the challenges of the fast moving beverages market."

Esterform makes plastic bottles for juice and other beverages. Standard bottle ranges in round, fluted and square formats.