PRISM eLogistics is urging drinks brands to consider the role of recycled plastic in reducing the sector’s carbon footprint and overall packaging volume.
While virgin plastic is being phased out of canned drinks packaging, the third party logistics, sleeving and contract packing specialist said recent research has highlighted the improved sustainability outcomes of using recycled plastic solutions in place of paperboard cartons and carriers.
Prism revealed that, according to a comparative cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), 100% recycled rHDPE PakTech multipack handles ‘outperform’ paperboard options (four and six pack) on climate change metrics including acidification, eutrophication, health impact, smog air and energy demand, delivering ~2–5x lower COâ‚‚ impact compared to paperboard alternatives.
Lightweight and recyclable, Prism added that rHDPE handles represent a reduction in packaging volume compared to paperboard multipack options, as well as lower COâ‚‚ and energy demand than fibre-based carton alternatives such as cartons and carriers. As a result, they align with the expectations of the EPR policy and are associated with the lowest tier of EPR fees.
‘Robust’ multipack handles are also said to offer greater defence against product loss due to packaging failure, while flexibility is another advantage when it comes to mixed can offerings.
Ian Wright, MD at Prism eLogistics, said, “While plastic has been something of a dirty word in drinks packaging, the abundance of plastic which needs to be recycled and the lower weight and durability offered by rHDPE handles makes them a greener solution than paperboard alternatives for multipack cans. We’ve seen growing demand for contract packing solutions which allow for mixed can flexibility, without the need for additional packaging. Multipack handles offer this alongside sustainability benefits, making them ideal for forward-looking beverage providers.”
