Graphic Packaging equips Coca-Cola HBC with paperboard carton for large can multipacks

19 Aug 2021 --- Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (HBC) Ireland and Northern Ireland is partnering with Graphic Packaging on new paperboard solutions for all multipack can configurations as part of its World Without Waste strategy. 

“While the KeelClip solution enabled us to replace plastic shrink film with a minimalist carton solution for can multipacks with up to eight cans, the new paperboard QuikFlex solution allows us to also replace plastic shrink on larger can multipacks,” a Coca-Cola HBC spokesperson tells PackagingInsights.

“It [the QuikFlex solution] holds together up to 24 cans in a new fully enclosed carton, produced by the QuikFlex machine.”

Coca-Cola HBC’s larger multipacks (10, 12, 20 and 24 cans) are now available in the new fully enclosed carton.

The move follows the introduction of Graphic Packaging’s KeelClip late last year, which saw smaller multipacks (four, six and eight cans) transition to the innovative paperboard solution.

The QuikFlex and KeelClip were both designed and developed by Graphic Packaging. Coca-Cola HBC says transitioning to these new secondary packaging solutions will eliminate 500 metric tons of hard-to-recycle shrink wrap plastic annually.

To support the venture’s production requirements, Graphic Packaging has installed the highly flexible QuikFlex machine in Coca-Cola HBC’s plant in Lisburn, Northern Ireland, producing various configurations from four to 24-packs.The QuikFlex solution.

Consumer reaction
Andrea Whyte, marketing director at Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, tells PackagingInsights that consumers are reacting positively to the plastic-free carrier.

“Customers and consumers have reacted very positively to our plastic-free can multipacks. Both the KeelClip and QuikFlex solutions look attractive and have stand-out appeal on shelf,” says Whyte.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking to brands to show leadership in sustainability and KeelClip is a great example of how we have done just that.”

Innovation in plastic-replacement fiber-based solutions is booming as brands explore plastic waste escape routes and new connections with the enlarging eco-conscious consumer base.

According to Innova Market Insights, 36 percent of global consumers believe paper-based packaging has “good” recyclability, while 35 percent believe it boasts “excellent” recyclability.

On-pack messaging
Coca-Cola HBC has also introduced prominent on-pack messaging to communicate its environmental sustainability message directly to consumers, highlighting that the packs are recyclable.

The more premium feel of the pack will enhance the brand and elevate shelf appeal within the multipack aisle, improving the point of sale and consumer experience, the bottler indicates.The KeelClip solution.

The product development team at Graphic Packaging worked closely with Coca-Cola HBC to ensure the plastic replacement solution was in harmony with the company’s sustainability plans while upholding high-quality standards.

The “bold yet practical design” is made from paperboard – a substrate produced from renewable resources – and reflects Coca-Cola HBC’s ambitions to lead in sustainable packaging design.

Coca-Cola’s sustainability strides
The World Without Waste environmental sustainability strategy dictates that Coca-Cola will make its packaging 100 percent recyclable by 2025, aim to collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one it sells by 2030, and use 50 percent recycled material in its bottles and cans by 2030.

Elsewhere in the world, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), Pact Group, Cleanaway and Asahi Beverages recently signed a memorandum of understanding, forming a joint venture to build and operate a new PET recycling facility in Australia.

CCEP, the world’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler, is also trialing a self-service drinks dispensing system in partnership with Innovative Tap Solutions to reduce its single-use packaging in Spain.

In September, Coca-Cola Great Britain announced it will use 100 percent recycled PET in all on-the-go bottles across its entire range starting this September. The move includes Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Dr Pepper and Lilt.

By Joshua Poole