Coca‑Cola in France and Germany has begun a pilot project for a next‑generation multipack format that eliminates traditional plastic shrink wrap on large PET bottle packs. The initiative, conducted with its bottling partner Coca‑Cola Europacific Partners, replaces the plastic film with strategically placed glue dots to hold bottles together and a recyclable cardboard handle for carrying.
The pilot is being tested in select retail locations in both countries to assess packaging performance, operational feasibility and shopper acceptance under real‑world conditions. Coca‑Cola says the design aims to maintain the stability and ease of use associated with conventional shrink‑wrapped multipacks while reducing plastic waste and supporting recyclability.
Glue dots secure the bottles during transport and shelf handling, and once separated by twisting or pulling, consumers can recycle the cardboard handle in standard paper or cardboard streams. The bottles remain compatible with existing PET recycling systems. Clear in‑store communication and simple graphics on‑pack accompany the trial to guide consumers through the new separation process.
According to Coca‑Cola, this innovation could help eliminate over 200 tonnes of plastic annually if implemented more widely across the market, marking a potential step forward in reducing secondary packaging waste.