Six-figure investment helps softs drinks makers keep their products fizzing

A business which helps makers of carbonated drinks to keep their fizz for longer has shaken up the way it works.

CO2Sustain is a patented liquid foam control and carbonation aid that has been developed by Leeds-based Sustain CO2 Ltd. It allows manufacturers and brands the ability to retain and extend carbonation, giving consumers longer-lasting fizz.

From its base in the city, the firms team of chemists pioneered the product and its exclusive formula, to increase the carbon dioxide content and extend the carbonation shelf life of soft drinks.

A six-figure investment at the its production facility – including a state-of-the-art laboratory Armfield carbonator – meant that for the first time, face-to-face meetings all over the world were no longer a necessity with customers able to transport their carbonated drinks for testing to the lab in Leeds.

Jonathan Stott, business manager at Sustain CO2 Ltd, said: “The impact of the Covid-19 restrictions led us to re-evaluate our day-to-day operations.

“Instead of travelling the globe to see our customers in person and demonstrate how we can help them, we decided to bring the customers or rather their carbonated drinks to our UK laboratory.

“Once all the necessary tests and evaluations are complete, the re-carbonated beverages are returned to the customer with and without CO2 Sustain.”

He added that this enables the customers to taste the difference that the business can provide without the need for international travel or the “customer having to do the technical work themselves”.

The addition of new equipment and investment in lab facilities has also led to recruitment opportunities.

Experienced technician Tope Pitan has recently joined the business as laboratory manager and is responsible for the operation of the laboratory carbonator.

Pitan, who previously worked for Coca-Cola in Nigeria, brings five years of experience in the drinks industry to the team.

In addition, manufacturing partner, Stephenson, has invested in a new vessel dedicated to CO2 Sustain production.

It increases capacity by a further 25% to meet demand from new customers gained since the start of the pandemic together with increasing volumes from existing customers.