Packaging / Advertising & Office

According to recent media reports, Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC) has partnered with Graphic Packaging to use the new QuikFlex cardboard technology to replace its plastic packaging and provide new cardboard solutions as part of its "Waste-Free World" strategy. In December 2020, Coca-Cola used KeelClip cardboard technology to replace its plastic packaging used in Europe. It was the first attempt in the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink industry.

A Coca-Cola HBC spokesperson said: "The KeelClip solution allows us to replace plastic shrink film with a minimalist carton solution with up to 8 cans of multiple packaging, and the new cardboard QuikFlex solution also allows us to replace larger multiple packaging cans. Plastic shrink film."

This move follows the introduction of KeelClip at the end of last year, and Coca-Cola has transitioned from a smaller multi-pack (4, 6 and 8 cans) to a larger innovative cardboard solution (10, 12, 20 and 24 cans). This "bold and practical design" is made of cardboard, which is a substrate made from renewable resources, reflecting Coca-Cola's leading ambitions in sustainable packaging design.

Both QuikFlex and KeelClip are designed and developed by Graphic Packaging. Coca-Cola HBC said that the transition to these new secondary packaging solutions will reduce 500 tons of hard-to-recycle shrink packaging plastic each year.

Consumer response

Coca-Cola HBC marketing director Andrea Whyte pointed out that consumers have responded positively to this kind of plastic-free packaging. "Customers and consumers have responded very positively to our plastic-free cans. Both the KeelClip and QuikFlex solutions look attractive and have outstanding appeal on the shelf. Consumers are increasingly expecting brands to play a role in sustainable development. Leadership, KeelClip is a good example."

As major brands explore recycling routes for plastic waste, and establish new connections with the ever-expanding group of environmentally conscious consumers, innovation in alternative plastic solutions is booming. According to data from Innova Market Insights, 36% of global consumers believe that paper packaging has "good" recyclability, while 35% believe that paper packaging has "excellent" recyclability.

Coca-Cola HBC also introduced prominent packaging information to directly convey its environmental sustainability information to consumers, emphasizing that packaging is recyclable. The perception of better packaging quality will enhance the brand, increase shelf appeal in multiple packaging aisles, and improve consumer experience.

Coca-Cola Sustainability Program

Coca-Cola’s "Waste-free World" environmental sustainability strategy stipulates that by 2025, Coca-Cola will make its packaging 100% recyclable. The goal is to collect and recycle every bottle or can sold in 2030 and use 50% by 2030. Of recyclable materials on its packaging.

Elsewhere in the world, Coca-Cola Europe Pacific Partners (CCEP), Pact Group, Cleanaway and Asahi Beverages recently formed a joint venture to establish and operate a new PET recycling facility in Australia. CCEP is also working with Innovative Tap Solutions to test a self-service beverage dispensing system in Spain to reduce disposable packaging.

Coca-Cola UK announced that starting from September this year, it will use 100% recycled PET in all ready-to-drink bottles. This initiative includes products such as Coca-Cola Original Taste, Zero Sugar Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Dr Pepper and Lilt.

At present, Coca-Cola has begun to invest marketing funds and technology to this goal. Coca-Cola is developing more environmentally friendly plastic bottles, such as using more recycled materials to make plastic bottles, developing plant-based resin materials, and reducing the amount of plastic in each plastic bottle. Content and so on.