PepsiCo is ditching plastic rings

PepsiCo Inc. will begin using paper packaging to replace plastic beverage rings on multipacks in the U.S. starting later this year. Paperboard designs will be introduced in a phased approach, following a similar transition already underway in Canada, PepsiCo announced today. Its conversion to paperboard packaging at PepsiCo includes the brands Pepsi, Pepsi Zero, Mtn Dew, Starry and Gatorade, among others. The move also will include 7Up in Canada. “The new packaging is easy to implement on shelf for customers, has consumer-friendly branded-design, is made from recycled materials and is recyclable,” PepsiCo said in a statement. More about Pepsi: CMO on the cola’s 125th anniversary plans The move by PepsiCo follows Molson Coors Beverage Co.'s decision in 2022 to stop using plastic six-pack rings for the Coors Light product line. That company also unveiled plans to move its entire North American product portfolio away from plastic rings by the end of 2025. Sign up for Ad Age newsletters From influencer marketing to agencies, get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox Click here And it was back in 2018 when Danish beer maker Carlsberg Breweries A/S introduced its Snap Pack approach that uses glue on six packs. Adhesive, the company said at the time, is strong enough to keep the cans together during shipment and handling. But the design allows customers to easily twist cans apart when it’s time to enjoy a cold one. Recent news: How Coke is using AI to make ads with artists The decision to ditch plastic rings is part of a larger push by PepsiCo to reduce virgin plastic use from nonrenewable sources by 50% by 2030. The company expects to eliminate the use of “millions of pounds of plastics from its packaging in North America over the coming years,” it stated. PepsiCo is using 2020 consumption as a baseline to measure its decrease in virgin plastics use per serving. Look back: Edible six-pack rings from Saltwater Brewery and We Believers Plastics News is a Crain publication Ad Age Marketer’s Brief podcast Listen here or subscribe via Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible Click here

PepsiCo is ditching plastic rings

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