CanCollar: Coca-Cola Launches Paperboard Packaging Solution

Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has announced the introduction of CanCollar, a paperboard packaging solution, for multipack cans that is sustainable, recyclable, and set to keep more than 18 “tonnes” (about 20 tons) of plastic from ending up in the world’s oceans each year. The paperboard packaging solution is 100 percent recyclable and replaces the current hi-cone solution.

CanCollar

CanCollar has been developed in collaboration with Atlanta-based corrugated packaging company WestRock. CanCollar is produced from sustainable materials and uses no glue or adhesives, keeping its total carbon footprint and production cost to a minimum.

CanCollar achieves maximum consumer appeal while using the minimum amount of material required to perform the necessary function of holding the cans together through the supply chain. Patent-pending tooth design and wet strength CarrierKote paperboard create a minimalist yet robust paperboard ring. CarrierKote is a renewable, responsibly-sourced, recyclable paperboard, containing up to 15% recycled content.

The CanCollar surface can be printed or embellished to reinforce brand elements and elevate the consumer experience. Consumers love the stylish design and find it easy to use, eco-friendly, and “surprisingly strong”, while manufacturers love the solution’s efficiency. 

Coca-Cola Sustainability Commitment

According to CCEP, it prevents the need of more than 11,000 tonnes of virgin plastic a year across Western Europe. This new packaging solution “exemplifies Coca-Cola’s clear commitment to reduce plastic in our secondary packaging,” according to Joe Franses, vice president of sustainability at Coca-Cola European Partners.

However, in January of this year, Bea Perez, head of sustainability for Coca-Cola, refused to commit to a reduction in the company’s production of single-use plastic bottles. Speaking to the BBC, at the annual meeting for the World Economic Forum, she said that customers still want them because they reseal and are lightweight adding that the company will continue to use plastic bottles for now because of consumer demand.

According to the BBC, those bottles add up to about 3 million tonnes of plastic packaging per year — equivalent to 200,000 bottles every minute and Coca Cola named biggest global plastic polluter brand in #breakfreefromplastic Report 2019.

Coca-Cola has invested €2.6 million ($3.07 million) in its Barcelona plant to support this initiative and in the past has pledged to recycle as many plastic bottles as it uses by 2030, but there was no mention of this promise as part of this new announcement.