Molson Coors Beverage Company is removing plastic rings and introducing a fully recyclable cardboard sleeve for can multipacks across all of its major brands.

The move sees Molson Coors in the UK hit its target to remove all single-use plastic from Carling and Coors packaging by the end of April 2021.

Instead, cans will be secured in a one-piece recyclable cartonboard wrap made by Graphic Packaging International. It contains up to 17% cartonboard and renewable wood fibres.

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The move is the latest step from Molson Coors to reduce its environmental impact, following a trial of low-carbon glass beer bottles manufactured entirely from recycled glass for its Staropramen brand, as well as becoming the first major brewer in the UK to produce all of its beers and ciders using 100% renewable electricity.

Fraser Thompson, Western Europe operations director at Molson COors, said: “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.”

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These goals include: make 100% of plastic packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable; incorporate at least 30% recycled content in plastic packaging; improve recycling infrastructure; and reduce carbon emissions from packaging by 26%.

Steve Gould, new product development and marketing director of the beverage division at Graphic Packaging International, said: “Our 100% recyclable wrap allows us to offer a robust option for brewing and soft drinks companies alike. The package not only offers the sustainability benefits outlined but also offered Molson Coors’ brands further billboarding opportunities to support a brand’s proposition.”

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