Caps and closures maker United Caps (Wiltz / Luxembourg; www.unitedcaps.com) said it would invest around EUR 20m for a new UK facility planned to be built in Dinnington, with the project forecast to boost group turnover by 15% in its first phase. The investment includes the first phase of machinery.

Production is expected to begin at the end of 2019. It will initially focus on beverage and dairy closures and has options to add other segments as needed. The floor space will be 5,000 m² at the beginning but is expandable to 20,000 m².

In France, United Caps has recently completed the expansion of its R&D centre in Messia as part of its strategy to maintain the 50:50 split between standard and bespoke product development. Staff and floor space were increased by 30%. The floor space now comprises 600 m² and a 3D printer was installed for fast prototyping. The R&D organisation was restructured, cutting product development time by around 10-20%.

United Caps also said it has collaborated with Braskem (São Paulo / Brazil; www.braskem.com.br) to deliver bio-sourced plastics made from sugar cane. It has added bioplastics-based products, such as the "Victoria" closure and "Proflat" seal, to its product portfolio.