Molson Coors to remove plastic rings from can multipacks of major brands

Molson Coors Beverage Company said it will be removing plastic rings and introducing a fully recyclable and sustainable cardboard sleeve for can multipacks for all of its major brands in the UK.

The company added that the move will help it to achieve the target of removing all single-use plastic from Carling and Coors packaging by the end of April 2021, following the introduction of recyclable cardboard large-format multipacks in 2020.

“As one of the UK’s largest brewers, we have a responsibility to champion sustainability in the sector and removing single-use plastic from across our operations is one of the ways we are meeting that responsibility as part of Our Imprint 2025 sustainability goals,” commented Fraser Thomson, Western Europe Operations Director at Molson Coors.

Produced by paper-based solutions supplier, Graphic Packaging International, the one-piece cartonboard wrap features a shaped interior design that securely holds the cans, as well as a locking mechanism so that adhesive isn’t required to keep the box closed.

Made from renewable wood fibres from certified sources, the wrap contains up to 17 per cent recycled cartonboard, alongside virgin fibre for increased strength, improved machineability and stability in the supply chain.

Since 2019, when the company announced a global sustainable packaging strategy, it has removed more than 700 tonnes of single-use plastic from its operations.

Molson Coors has committed to make 100% of plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable and incorporate at least 30% recycled content in plastic packaging by 2025, among other goals.

“By removing unnecessary packaging where possible, while ensuring the contents remain secure throughout the supply chain, this recyclable solution allows us to continue to meet our environmental commitments with a consumer-friendly, fit-for-purpose pack, which places sustainability front of mind,” Fraser added.