Rather than making six-pack rings from plastic, WestRock developed the Can Collar, which is made from 86% paperboard. The use of this renewable, fiber-based material serves as a lightweight solution that effectively holds individual cans together as an alternative to plastic. As such, the Can Collar can be recycled where poly-coated paperboard products may be taken in.
One of the problems with most conventional plastic six-pack rings is that they are not recyclable and can only be put in the garbage. However, rings commonly end up in bodies of water and threaten the lives of both sea creatures and birds.
Muskoka Brewery is one beer brand that has now adopted the environmentally friendly Can Collar from WestRock.
Paperboard Six-Pack Rings
The 'Can Collar' is an Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Plastic
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Packaging - The development of the Can Collar can lead to the trend of using sustainable packaging materials that can be recycled.
2. Recyclable Material - With the adoption of the Can Collar, companies can lead the trend of using recyclable materials in their products or packaging.
3. Environmental Consciousness - The Can Collar is just one example of how companies can lead the trend of becoming more environmentally conscious to meet consumer demand.
Industry Implications
1. Beverage Industry - The Can Collar is a potential disruptive innovation opportunity for the beverage industry in terms of packaging design and environmental impact.
2. Packaging Industry - The use of paperboard-based materials in the Can Collar represents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the packaging industry to produce more sustainable items.
3. Manufacturing Industry - The development of the Can Collar shows an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the manufacturing industry to produce eco-friendly materials that can replace unsustainable ones.