# Plastic-Free Drink Toppers HEINEKEN UK Creates a Sustainable Packaging with Cardboard Toppers By Amy Duong | Published 2019-11-07 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-topper References: [theheinekencompany](http://www.theheinekencompany.com/) [HEINEKEN UK](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fields-green-with-grass-not-glass) introduces a sustainable packaging approach to its supermarkets with the latest cardboard toppers in the placement of the plastic rings. The progressive toppers will be found on HEINEKEN, Foster's, and Strongbow, pushing towards the goal of entirely removing plastic rings and shrink wrapping on multi-pack cans by the end of 2021. Sustainability is a strong priority for HEINEKEN UK, tacking the environmental and social issues of the problem for over a decade. The decision to remove plastic also decreases the amount of waste and materials produced -- the [cardboard toppers are 100% compostable and recyclable](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coop-sustainable-packaging). Notably, by implementing the new topper and [eliminating shrink wrapping](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vilsa), it eliminates over 517 tonnes of plastic annually, which is equal to 94 million plastic bags. Image Credit: HEINEKEN UK ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainable Packaging:** Other companies can follow HEINEKEN UK's lead and develop sustainable packaging solutions. - **Plastic Reduction:** Reduction of plastic usage in all areas of manufacturing and production can be explored to meet sustainability goals. - **Biodegradable Materials:** The utilization of biodegradable materials in the manufacturing of various products can positively impact the environment. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Beverage Industry:** The beverage industry can innovate and implement sustainable packaging solutions for its products to reduce its environmental impact. - **Packaging Industry:** The packaging industry can develop biodegradable and compostable packaging solutions to reduce waste and support sustainability goals. - **Consumer Goods Industry:** Companies in the consumer goods industry can explore alternative materials for product packaging to reduce waste and support environmental sustainability. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Tethered Carton Caps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twistflip.md) - [Eco-Friendly Soda Bottle Caps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocacola-uk.md) - [Recycled Cider Packaging Launches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aston-manor.md) - [Plastic-Replacing Packaging Sleeves](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mondi-hughold-paper-packaging-solution.md) - [Low-Plastic Dairy Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/resealable-lid-packaging.md) - [Attached Cap Drink Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/purity-soft-drinks.md) - [Sustainable Cereal Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fully-recyclable-packaging.md) - [Fully Recyclable Condiment Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heinz-tomato-ketchup.md) - [Sustainable Cardboard Cartons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yazoo-kids.md)