DS Smith PLC, a global leader in sustainable fiber-based packaging, and Coca-Cola HBC Austria have joined forces to replace plastic handles on 1.5-liter PET soft drink multi-packs with cardboard-based outer packaging. This eco-friendly solution, known as DS Smith Lift Up, is set to debut in Austrian supermarkets starting September 2023.
The innovative DS Smith Lift Up packaging is a 100% recyclable corrugated handle that enhances carrying convenience for consumers. It aligns with a broader effort to reduce plastic usage, contributing to a solution that annually eliminates approximately 200 tonnes of plastic waste for Coca-Cola HBC Austria.
DS Smith and Coca-Cola HBC share a common vision for innovative packaging solutions that prioritize recyclability and minimize material consumption. Stefano Rossi, CEO of the Packaging Solutions Division at DS Smith, emphasized their commitment, stating, “We are proud to partner on this innovative packaging solution, driving out unnecessary waste and single-use plastic.”
DS Smith Lift Up was developed using DS Smith’s Circular Design Metrics approach, resulting in a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of packaging and manufacturing processes. This versatile innovation can accommodate various bottle sizes and is produced in collaboration with Krones, a leading packaging machine manufacturer. The soft-grip carrier handle ensures secure and comfortable transportation of PET bottles intended for home consumption.
Marcel Martin, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Coca-Cola HBC, underscored the groundbreaking nature of this packaging solution, stating, “This is the first-ever packaging solution of its kind for 1.5-liter multipacks of Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite. It’s the result of our entrepreneurial mindset, an absolute belief in collaborating with trusted partners, and our focus on reaching net-zero emissions by 2040.”
The cardboard-based packaging innovation will be used for 1.5-liter PET multi-packs containing Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and Mezzo mix brands in Austria, marking a significant step towards reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability in the beverage industry.