Smurfit Kappa launches TopClip system for smaller brands to complete plastic-free portfolio

17 Feb 2021 --- Smurfit Kappa is launching an additional TopClip packing system for smaller brands, first implemented by Czech beer brewer Pivovar Clock for 500 ml cans.

TopClip is a paper-based replacement for plastic shrink wrap used to bundle beverage multipacks.

The addition of a system for smaller breweries completes the TopClip portfolio, Smurfit Kappa says, after introducing a high-speed packing machine with KHS last year.

Smurfit Kappa has now launched complete solutions, including automation, for every shape and size of beverage company, key in facilitating the rollout of TopClip with many different brands.

The announcement means TopClip, which has already been available in the UK and the Netherlands with other brands, including Grolsch, will also be available to consumers in the Czech, Polish and Slovakian markets.

Carbon savings
TopClip is plastic-free, 100 percent renewable, recyclable and biodegradable, and boasts a reported 30 percent lower carbon footprint than a shrink wrap consumer pack.

Dutch beer Grolsch first brought Smurfit Kappa's plastic-alternative beverage carrier to market.As it is made from less material and does not require glue, TopClip is more sustainable than other recently launched same-purpose packaging solutions and offers a premium consumer experience with good branding opportunities, the supplier specifies.

“As a company, we pride ourselves on only using the highest quality ingredients when making our beers. We want to provide this standard across our business and Smurfit Kappa’s TopClip solution offers us a new sustainable alternative while providing an excellent consumer and branding experience,” comments Jiří Andrš, CEO at Pivovar Clock.

“At Pivovar Clock, we are committed to significantly decreasing our carbon footprint, so by choosing TopClip we are also meeting our environmental obligations by reducing single-use plastics.”

Pivovar Clock uses the latest steam technology and local ingredients to produce its beer.

“With our portfolio of machine solutions, Smurfit Kappa can provide a holistic offering to reduce your carbon footprint and ultimately help grow sales,” adds Arco Berkenbosch, VP innovation and development at Smurfit Kappa Europe.

Recycling solutions
TopClip is part of Smurfit Kappa’s Better Planet Packaging, a portfolio of innovative packaging solutions designed to be more sustainable and always made from a renewable and recyclable raw material.

At the end of last year, Smurfit Kappa launched a company called Recycling Dual to help German manufacturers and retail businesses reduce costs and improve paper recycling efforts in line with the latest legislation.

Edited by Joshua Poole