Britvic Soft Drinks is hoping to increase availability of its J20 brand by launching it in a plastic bottle.

The PET bottles have the same dimensions as the standard 275ml glass format, but come with a plastic screw cap. They will not replace the glass bottles, but have been developed for environments where glass is not allowed, such as in theatres, vending machines and at outdoor events.

Britvic said the plastic bottles could be rolled out to supermarkets later in the year, targeting picnics or journeys.

“With a greater variety of drinking occasions outside the more traditional pubs and bars, the new bottle will broaden J20’s offering in adult social drinking occasions,” said category director Andrew Marsden.

The two lead flavours - apple & mango and orange & passion fruit - will initially be given the plastic treatment, with other flavours to follow. Consumers will be alerted to the change by posters and chiller stickers.