Capri-Sun launches first ever recyclable pouch

Capri Sun has announced a first-to-market launch with its redesigned recyclable drink pouches – rolling out across retail, convenience, wholesale and foodservice channels.

The 200ml single serve pouches of its two iconic flavours, Orange and Blackcurrant & Apple, will be the first of the Capri-Sun range to transition to the new packaging.

Made entirely of mono material polypropylene (PP), it is the first juice drink pouch to be recognised as recyclable and joins other soft plastics, such as carrier bags, that can be collected for recycling at large supermarkets in the UK.

“We’re excited to launch our very first recyclable pouch in the UK. We know that sustainability is increasingly influencing purchase decisions among parents and we as Capri-Sun need to do our part to help families. That’s why we’re launching the product they love in a more sustainable format,” Anke von Hanstein, senior marketing manager at Capri-Sun UK, said.

The packaging has been assessed by non-for-profit company On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) as meeting the requirements of its front of store recyclable designation, which means each pack will feature the familiar OPRL label to guide and reassure parents.

Alice Harlock, head of technical and member services at OPRL, said: “The launch of Capri-Sun’s recyclable pouch will be a catalyst for the industry, as well as benefiting consumers and the environment. OPRL research shows that, despite the cost-of-living crisis, recycling is still important for consumers, and we are delighted to have assisted Capri-Sun on the journey to full recyclability.”

The new mono pouches have a significantly lower carbon footprint than any other common beverage packaging, reducing CO₂ emissions by a further 25 per cent compared to its current pouch, which already weighs only a fifth of a comparable PET bottle. The new packaging continues to maintain the freshness of Capri-Sun’s ingredients, fruit juice and water, without the need for artificial preservatives, flavours or colours.

From the second half of 2024, Capri-Sun will also introduce its 330ml recyclable pouches, with a re-closable, tethered cap, saving 14 per cent on packaging compared to the previous cap, which consumers will be able to recycle from home via kerbside collection.

The new recyclable pouch comes as part of Capri-Sun’s ambition to transition its entire drinks range in the UK to fully recyclable packaging by mid-2025. It also follows the launch of Capri-Sun’s stronger paper straws earlier this year.