Fibre-based consumer packaging leader Graphic Packaging International (‘Graphic Packaging’) has announced it is moving its Bristol, UK beverage packaging manufacturing operations to a new, state-of-the-art facility nearby, creating up to 30 new jobs in the process.

The move to the 255,000-square-foot factory — twice the size of its current base in the Fishponds area — comes in response to increasing worldwide demand for fibre-based packaging. Once the new site becomes fully operational in Q4 2023, its expanded and upgraded production capabilities will make it one of the largest and most technologically advanced sheet-fed folding carton plants in Europe. The new facility will also house an innovation centre that will enhance the company’s innovation and development capabilities.

Graphic Packaging customers will be invited to view progress of the new site at various stages as it nears completion.

Martin Sheppard, general manager, beverage, EMEA, announced the move, stating: “This key investment in our Bristol operation makes for exciting news for our customers and employees. It reinforces our commitment to the UK and European beverage packaging markets for decades to come.

“It has been an exceptional few years for our Bristol site, and we look forward to making an even greater impact on our local economy in 2023 with the relocation of our facility to a significantly larger site – a move that will provide many new jobs. The boost to capacity means the future is very bright indeed for our Bristol operations.”

The news follows success for the Graphic Packaging Bristol team, who scooped two prestigious prizes at the Bristol Live Business Awards. The double gold came in the Large Business of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year categories, recognising the outstanding contribution the plant made to its employees, the local economy, and the manufacturing sector as a whole.

Sheppard added: “We are incredibly proud of these achievements, and I want to thank every member of our team, whose positive attitudes, commitment and hard work have made these successes possible. Thanks must also go to our customers for choosing to embrace our sustainable, fibre-based beverage packaging solutions, which in turn helps consumers to make more responsible buying decisions.”

Many of Graphic Packaging’s key innovations have been developed at the Bristol site, including the multi-award-winning KeelClip™, a fibre-based beverage multipack solution that has been adopted by some of the world’s leading beverage brands.

Glyn Champion, UK sales director, beverage, said: “When the move to the new site is complete, the increased capacity and capability will enable us to offer more sustainable packaging innovations for our customers. We’re proud to further accelerate our commitment to brands around the world as an innovative and trusted supplier.”