DS Smith and Coca-Cola HBC Replace Plastic with Recyclable Cardboard in Beverage Packaging

Sustainable Beverage Packaging Initiative Launched by DS Smith and Coca-Cola HBC

Image Credits: DS Smith

DS Smith and Coca-Cola HBC have entered into a partnership to promote cardboard packaging for multipacks of 1.5-liter soft drink bottles. Following this, it will replace shrink-wrap plastic packaging with 100% recyclable cardboard. In recent years, as many new brands and diverse taste preferences have emerged, the food and beverage and packaging market has evolved. As a result, the food and beverage sector has faced constant challenges in reducing its environmental impact, particularly in addressing key areas such as greenhouse gas emissions and plastic pollution from packaging.

In response to concerns about single-use plastic for multipack beverages, Coca-Cola HBC, DS Smith, and Krones have introduced a multipurpose recyclable packaging solution, bolstering the circular economy. With the machinery solution the DS Smith will feature sustainability and efficiency in the packaging process.

DS Smith has designed a corrugated cardboard handle for 1.5-liter soft drink bottles. This fiber-related option is planned to replace the old plastic drink wrap, offering a fully recyclable alternative that reduces material use. The comprehensive design uncovers a key branding opportunity by wrapping a paper label around the bottle, highlighting 360-degree transparency on the shelf. This Lift Up handle delivers ease and comfort to consumers hands.

The invention of the Lift Up handle was developed in partnership efforts with DS Smith mechanization collaborator, Krones, a leading manufacturer of packaging machinery. Krones works with numerous packaging material suppliers, helping them develop and test their designs. Krones manufacturing technique for the fiber-related solution can reduce energy consumption by around 58% during production compared to traditional methods.

The CEO of the packaging solutions division at DS Smith, Stefano Rossi, said,

“We are excited to be able to collaborate on this creative packaging solution that addresses and eliminates single-use plastic and unnecessary waste. The discussion with our partners Krones and Coca-Cola HBC is key to implementing innovative changes at scale and mitigating single-use plastics. We prefer sustainable design in the first place, representing our company.”

Rossi added, “This is a proud example to be recognized for working on innovation in packaging to pave the way to an eco-friendlier future for retailers, consumers, and manufacturers.”