Coca-Cola, in partnership with bottling partners Coca-Cola HBC and Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) has today announced the roll-out of KeelClip, a minimalist paperboard packaging solution for multipack cans, across Europe, beginning early next year.

KeelClip was developed by Graphic Packaging International and is a replacement for the plastic shrink film often used to package non-alcoholic drinks. The paperboard packaging solution also minimises the amount of paper and card required and is a first for the non-alcohol ready-to-drink industry.

The packaging will be used for all multipacks of up to eight cans with larger can multipacks packaged using a carton pack.

Graphic Packaging International Europe beverage division new product development and marketing director Steve Gould said: “The KeelClip technology is effective for can multipacks of various diameters and heights. This means that we can provide a safe, effective package with no need for secondary plastic. When businesses such as Coca-Cola HBC and Coca-Cola European Partners invest in these technologies, we can really make a difference to the way we package goods and drive the industry to continue to change too.”

As part of this partnership, Coca-Cola HBC has invested €15m in KeelClip, removing plastic shrink wrap from all its multipack cans across all European Union markets by the end of 2021. Starting with Ireland and Poland, Coca-Cola HBC’s roll-out will later expand to Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Romania.

The company said that this move will save 2,000 tonnes of plastic and 3,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Coca-Cola HBC group supply chain director Marcel Martin said: “KeelClip is our latest investment in innovative, sustainable packaging solutions. Alongside the four water brands we introduced this year in 100% recycled PET bottles, the increased use of recycled PET and continued light-weighting across the portfolio, KeelClip is another demonstration of our commitment to delivering our World Without Waste goals.”

CCEP will start its roll-out in the Netherlands, with more markets to follow. The company has already invested €14m in its Dongen, Netherlands factory to install a new can line and a KeelClip packaging machine.

In October this year, CCEP committed to removing all unnecessary or hard-to-recycle plastic from its packaging.

Coca-Cola European Partners sustainability vice president Joe Franses said: “Innovation is a key principle of our sustainable packaging work and the application of this fully recyclable paperboard KeelClip, which comprises a top board that the cans clip into and a central cardboard ‘keel’ – similar to a ship’s keel – that stabilises the pack, is another example of how we are delivering on our commitment to remove all unnecessary and hard to recycle single-use plastic from our products.”

The Coca-Cola Company introduced its global World Without Waste initiative in 2018. The system-wide effort was designed to produce more recyclable packaging, increase collection and partner with communities, NGO and competitors to reduce packaging waste.