British soft drinks giant Britvic has partnered with cellular IoT provider Wireless Logic to implement telemetry data from its new digital ‘flavour taps’ in an effort to enhance logistics, minimize plastic usage, and boost sustainability. The move aligns with Britvic’s Beyond the Bottle initiative, aimed at reducing packaging and optimizing supply-chain operations.
Britvic, known for brands such as Robinsons, Tango, and J2O, operates in Brazil, Ireland, France, and the UK. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the company introduced its Aqua Libra Flavour Tap, featuring six flavor cartridges. This tap system replaces up to 10,000 single-use plastic bottles or cans and uses recycled plastic for its base and internal components. It’s suitable for work, hospitality, and retail environments.
Following a market review of IoT connectivity providers, Britvic chose Wireless Logic for its Conexa MVNO setup and SIMPro platform. Conexa’s security-focused design and advanced on-SIM applications played a crucial role in Britvic’s decision. The flavour taps connect directly to the cloud, specifically to Britvic’s AWS environment, providing valuable user insights.
Scott MacKenzie, director of Britvic’s Beyond the Bottle project, highlighted the significance of this innovation in a shifting regulatory and consumer landscape. “In an environment where sustainability regulations are tightening and consumer preferences are shifting, we saw a significant opportunity to adapt and innovate… As we look to expand, scalability and reliable connectivity are crucial.”
Telemetry data from the sensors in the taps has allowed Britvic to streamline its forecasting and logistics. MacKenzie added, “We [now] have secure, reliable, and real-time access to data… This has revealed unexpected trends, challenging our assumptions and informing our strategic decisions.”
Oliver Tucker, founder and CEO of Wireless Logic, emphasized their pride in supporting Britvic’s journey. “What started as a trial project during the pandemic has blossomed into a viable product with global potential. This goes beyond offices and retail spaces – there are exciting opportunities [it] across travel, sports, and leisure… We’re proud to be part of Britvic’s journey as it reshapes the beverage industry with more eco-friendly consumer choices.”
