Molson Coors targets move to sustainable packaging by 2025

Molson Coors has announced plans to make 100% of its packaging reusable, recyclable, compostable or biodegradable by 2025.

The brewer is seeking to achieve at least 30% recycled content in its PET bottles, plastic film wrap and plastic rings.

In the UK, the business has set a goal of removing plastic rings from Carling and Coors Light cans by the end of March 2021, switching to 100% recyclable cardboard sleeves. The UK business also plans to remove the plastic film wrap from large multipacks by the end of March 2020, moving these packs into cardboard packaging.

Meanwhile, Colorado Native has become the first Molson Coors brand to test a new plastic-free, fibre-based six-pack ring for beverage cans. The eco-friendly rings are made from post-industrial recycled fibre and are 100% bio-based, recyclable and compostable in commercial composting facilities.

“As a global brewer with a strong family heritage, we have always taken seriously our responsibility to brew a more sustainable future,” outgoing Molson Coors CEO Mark Hunter said.

“Plastic waste poses a clear environmental challenge, and as a consumer packaged goods company, we play an important role in helping to solve the global waste crisis.”

The packaging commitments have been made as part of the firm’s annual sustainability update, 2019 Our Beer Print Report, which also reveals its emissions targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

Molson Coors’s 2025 goal to lower absolute emissions by 50% within its direct operations was determined as ambitious enough to meet the requirements of the 1.5°C pathway.

“Congratulations to Molson Coors on having their emissions reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative,” said Cynthia Cummis, director of private sector climate mitigation at World Resources Institute, one of the Science Based Targets initiative partners.

“By setting a target for their operations that aims for the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement – to limit global warming to 1.5°C – Molson Coors are charting a path towards a sustainable and thriving future.”