Corona beer has launched a new, circular form of packaging for six-packs, harnessing surplus barley straw to create a sustainable paper packaging solution.
The new technology - three years in the making by AB InBev’s Global Innovation and Technology Center (GITEC) - uses 90 per cent less water, less energy, and behaves just like regular paper when recycled.
“Corona is a brand born at the beach. We’re deeply connected with nature and appreciate all that it has to offer, so we want to continue to do our part to protect it,” commented Felipe Ambra, global vice president of marketing, Corona.
“Starting with our own packaging, we assessed where we could make changes within our production and supply chains to make a real difference. We are proud to announce this first step in reinventing the future of packaging for our industry.”
Barley straw, a leftover from farmers' harvests, will now be used through a unique pulping process built to handle its relative fragility. Combined with 100 per cent recycled wood fibers, this process creates a paper board to produce new packaging that is as strong and durable as a regular six-pack, but better for the planet.
Corona is the first global brand to leverage this technology, and upon completion of the successful pilot, AB InBev, Corona’s parent company, will review rolling out the technology to other brands.
“At AB InBev we are continually pushing boundaries by developing scalable solutions. Today is a proud moment for us, not only are we providing an opportunity for farmers but we’re also delivering a more mindful solution to the consumer,” said Keenan Thompson, director of packaging innovation at AB InBev.
