The Coca‑Cola System introduces innovative KeelClip™ packaging technology on multipack cans in Europe

The Coca‑Cola System introduces innovative KeelClip™ packaging technology on multipack cans in Europe

In a first for the Non-Alcoholic-Ready-to-Drink category, we’re proud to report that Ireland will be one of the first countries to introduce the new Keel Clip, eliminating up to 200 tonnes of shrink wrap plastic.

Coca‑Cola and its strategic bottling partners Coca‑Cola HBC and Coca‑Cola European Partners have today announced that they will begin rolling out the KeelClip™, an innovative, minimalist paperboard packaging solution, on its multipack cans across Europe, with Ireland being one of the first countries to go live. 

This move, representing a first for non-alcoholic ready-to-drink (NARTD) industry, underscores the Coca‑Cola system’s commitment to reduce the use of plastic by using solutions that are more sustainable in terms of recyclability and overall environmental footprint as it works towards its global goals for a World Without Waste. 

As part of this initiative, Coca‑Cola HBC will remove shrink wrap from all of its can multipacks in all European Union markets by the end of 2021. In total, Coca‑Cola HBC will invest €15 million in KeelClip™ and will begin the roll-out in Ireland and Poland early next year, followed by Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Romania in 2020. All of Coca‑Cola HBC’s European Union markets will have KeelClip™ by the end of 2021.

The KeelClip™ will be used on all can multi-packs of up to eight cans, larger can multi packs will be bound by a carton pack, saving 2,000 tonnes of plastic and 3,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. Two hundred and fifty tonnes of plastic will be saved in Ireland alone as a result of the move.

2000

tonnes of plastic saved annually

3000

tonnes of CO2 saved annually 

200

tonnes of plastic saved annually in Ireland alone

KeelClip™ is our latest investment in innovative, sustainable packaging solutions. Alongside the four water brands we introduced this year in 100% recycled PET bottles, the increased use of recycled PET and continued lightweighting across the portfolio, KeelClip™ is another demonstration of our commitment to delivering our World Without Waste goals.

Marcel Martin Group Supply Chain Director, Coca-Cola HBC

At Coca‑Cola HBC, we are committed to minimising our impact on the environment and we’re delighted to introduce KeelClip™, our latest investment in sustainable packaging to the Irish market. KeelClip™ is a further demonstration of our commitment to delivering our World Without Waste goals, eliminating up to 200 tonnes of shrink wrap plastic across the island of Ireland each year.

Miles Karemacher General Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland

The three system partners, The Coca‑Cola Company, Coca‑Cola HBC and Coca‑Cola European Partners have worked closely with Graphic Packaging International - developer of the KeelClip™ technology - to bring this sustainable packaging solution to market.  This new type of packaging not only replaces the plastic wrap, but also minimizes the amount of paper/card required.

Steve Gould, Graphic Packaging International’s new product development and marketing director, beverage division, Europe said: “The KeelClip™ technology is effective for can multi-packs of various diameters and heights. This means that we can provide a safe, effective package with no need for secondary plastic. When businesses such as Coca‑Cola HBC and Coca‑Cola European Partners invest in these technologies, we can really make a difference to the way we package goods and drive the industry to continue to change too.”