Molson Coors replace plastic rings and introduce a fully recyclable and sustainable cardboard sleeve for can multipacks for all major brands, including Carling and Coors. Produced by paper-based solutions supplier, Graphic Packaging International, the one-piece cartonboard wrap features a shaped interior design that securely holds the cans, as well as a locking mechanism so that adhesive isn’t required to keep the box closed. The drinks giant said the move sees Molson Coors’ in the UK hit its target to remove all single-use plastic from Carling and Coors packaging by the end of April 2021, following the introduction of recyclable cardboard large-format multipacks in 2020. Since 2019, the company has removed more than 700 tonnes of single-use plastic from its operations. In March the firm began trialling low-carbon, circular-economy glass beer bottles for its Staropramen brand.The trial produced two million bottles, manufactured using biofuel and made entirely from cullet – recycled or waste glass. This method reduces the carbon impact of bottle production by up to 90%.
How Does it Work?
Made from renewable wood fibres from certified sources, the wrap contains up to 17% recycled cartonboard, alongside virgin fibre for increased strength, improved machinability and stability in the supply chain.
In 2019 the company out a global sustainable packaging strategy, including four clear 2025 goals:
- Make 100% of plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable
- Incorporate at least 30% recycled content in plastic packaging
- Improve recycling infrastructure and support a better recycling system for communities, government and industries
- Reduce carbon emissions from packaging by 26%
Importance of this Green Solution
Fraser Thomson, Western Europe operations director at Molson Coors, said: “As one of the UK’s largest brewers, we have a responsibility to champion sustainability in the sector and removing single-use plastic from across our operations is one of the ways we are meeting that responsibility as part of Our Imprint 2025 sustainability goals.” Steve Gould, new product development and marketing director of the beverage division at Graphic Packaging International, added: “Our 100% recyclable wrap allows us to offer a robust option for brewing and soft drinks companies alike. The package not only offers the sustainability benefits outlined but also offered Molson Coors’ brands further billboarding opportunities to support a brand’s proposition.”
The company also recently announced that it has become the first major brewer in the UK to produce all of its beers and ciders using 100% renewable electricity.
Header image: Food and Drink International
