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Sparkling water company SodaStream has rolled out a set of limited-edition bottles with decorative hats to raise money for one of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's favourite charities.

The Royal Edition bottles, which feature a set of miniature hats created using 3D printing, are recyclable – and will be auctioned as a donation to Surfers Against Sewage, which campaigns against plastics in oceans.

Each of the five hat designs is inspired by an iconic look previously sported by female royals – a concept imagined by Israeli innovation agency Gefen Team, and developed with SodaStream.

The limited edition bottles will be auctioned, and bids open to consumers worldwide.

“Tackling ocean plastic pollution should be a top priority for governments, brands and people,” Hugo Tagholm, Surfers Against Sewage CEO, said.

“SodaStream's commitment to eliminate plastic and promote reusable bottles is a great step in the right direction towards plastic-free coastlines, and sends a strong message to the beverage industry.

"This fun and quirky project to celebrate the royal wedding further highlights the importance of stopping the single-use plastic epidemic.”

Food & Drink Business

Three weeks after its official opening, the $17.14 million Central Coast Food Manufacturing Innovation Hub at Ourimbah is preparing to welcome its first tenants. Food & Drink Business toured the facility to see the production spaces, pilot plant, and training programs designed to grow the region’s $2 billion food and beverage manufacturing sector.

Reploid Group is expanding into Oceania, with the launch of a new sales company in New Zealand. Reploid builds modular plants that use insect larvae to repurpose food waste, having the potential to fill the gap left by Goterra’s collapse into voluntary administration earlier this year.

Welcome to the July edition of PLAY, your monthly wrap-up of the biggest stories shaping Australia's food and beverage manufacturing industry. This month we're looking at court action, a major take-private deal, alleged tomato provenance fraud, new leadership and investment in manufacturing capability. Let's get into it.