WestRock Partners with Coca-Cola to replace plastic rings with paperboard

WestRock and Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages have partnered to implement an innovative, sustainable packaging solution at Liberty’s Philadelphia production facility. This collaboration replaces approximately 200,000 pounds of plastic rings annually with recyclable paperboard carriers for Coca-Cola’s multipack bottled drinks. Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages is employing the PETCollar Shield Plus system, which includes WestRock’s CarrierKote paperboard. This renewable, responsibly sourced paperboard contains up to 15% recycled content and is combined with advanced packaging machinery to deliver a robust and efficient multipack solution.
The new paperboard carriers are designed for ease of use and durability, packaging popular Coca-Cola brands in 12-ounce and 16.9-ounce bottles. Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, which operates in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City, is the first in the world to adopt this packaging solution.
Fran McGorry, co-owner of Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages, highlighted the environmental impact of this initiative, stating the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Sam Shoemaker, president of Consumer Packaging at WestRock, praised Liberty Coca-Cola’s dedication to advancing a circular economy.
This move aligns with broader industry trends, such as PepsiCo’s and Coca-Cola HBC’s efforts to eliminate plastic rings and shrink film in favour of recyclable paper-based alternatives. These initiatives collectively signify a significant step toward reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability in the beverage industry.