Trade Minister visits Ipswich sustainable bottle manufacturer to promote new trade opportunities

Trade Minister James Duddridge visited Ipswich-based bottle manufacturer Frugalpac to see how new trade deals will help local businesses tap into new markets around the world. 

Frugalpac is a global export success story, shipping its recycled paperboard bottles for wine and spirits, which are 5 times lighter than glass and made with 84% less carbon, to 17 countries around the world including Japan, Canada, and the US.  

It is now setting its sights on Australia, having sparked significant interest from Australian wine producers, as well as an upcoming launch in South Africa. 

The visit comes as Minister Duddridge works to bring the Australia trade deal into force so businesses up and down the country can start benefitting from the agreement as soon as possible.  

Minister for International Trade James Duddridge said:  

“From machinery to clothing to medicinal products, the East of England exports a huge range of products to Australia. Our new free trade agreement will increase opportunities for local businesses even further and it’s fantastic to see Frugalpac gearing up to take advantage of that.  

“Our independent trade policy delivers growth for British people – tearing down trade barriers, reducing costs and helping boost wages across the country. 

“I would encourage all businesses in the East of England to make the most of the fantastic opportunities Australia, and our free trade agreement, has to offer.” 

Frugalpac says the trade deal with Australia will boost plans to export their Frugal Bottle Assembly machines Down Under, helping Australian winemakers decarbonise.  

Surrey-based Silent Pool gin already export their Frugal Bottle to Australia. 

Frugalpac CEO Malcolm Waugh said:  

“Australia produces 1.3 billion litres of wine a year, and their drinks industry is recognising the opportunity to significantly reduce its carbon load by switching to the Frugal Bottle made of 94% recycled content paper board. We are seeing a further acceleration of interest due to the massive increase in the cost to manufacture glass, and the carbon footprint from shipping and re-melting the bottles.  

“The icing on the cake for Frugalpac, our customers and their consumers will be the trade deal coming into force, making the Frugal Bottle even more viable in the Australian market.” 

Signed in December 2021, the UK-Australia trade deal is expected to boost the East of England’s economy by around £140 million, delivering benefits to people, businesses, and communities throughout the country. 

It is expected to increase trade with Australia by 53%, boost the economy by £2.3 billion and add £900 million to household wages in the long run. 

93,000 manufacturing jobs in the East of England were supported by exports in 2016. 

Based on current trade arrangements, 1,727 East of England businesses exported nearly £500m worth of goods to Australia in 2021. The FTA aims to boost this number much further as more and more firms embrace the incredible export opportunities Down Under. 

The UK is also in the process of acceding to CPTPP – a trade bloc in the Indo-Pacific made up of 11 countries with a combined GDP of £9trn, of which Australia is a key member. This could see more than 99% of UK exports becoming eligible for tariff-free trade with the bloc, further boosting opportunities for UK businesses in the region.