In an effort to reduce plastic use, Coca-Cola will discontinue plastic shrink wrap from its multipack cans in the US. It will transition to using KeelClip, a minimalist paperboard packaging solution developed by fibre-based consumer packaging company, Graphic Packaging.
According to the soft drinks company, the fibre-based packaging will eliminate the need for plastic rings and shrink wrap and is estimated to remove 34,000kg of plastic packaging per year from the supply chain for approximately 3.1 million cases.
The KeelClip multi-packing machine will be installed at Coca-Cola’s Liberty New York Facility, the local bottler for the northeastern US market, which includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Philadelphia, New York, and Delaware.
“We are committed to producing sustainable products across our territories that eliminate waste and develop a circular economy,” said Paul Mulligan, co-owner of Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages.
“We know that the most valuable change to reduce plastic waste occurs when bottlers and packaging producers work together in partnership. We look forward to partnering with Graphic Packaging on this sustainable packaging for years to come.”
Aside from its sustainable design, Graphic Packaging stated that KeelClip also offers protection for the cans and has an easy-remove can and finger holes for ergonomic carrying.
“Our commitment to innovation is limitless,” said Bret Arnone, VP of commercial operations and beverage packaging at Graphic Packaging.
“Bringing desirable and practical packaging solutions to brands, retailers and consumers that are also sustainable is a primary goal.”
