Coca-Cola System introduces KeelClip to its multipack cans

Coca-Cola and its strategic bottling partners Coca‑Cola HBC and Coca‑Cola European Partners will begin introducing KeelClip, a paperboard packaging solution, on its multipack cans across Europe.

The move marks a first for the non-alcohol ready-to-drink industry and works towards the companies’ global goals for a World Without Waste, in which all packaging is collected, recycled and reused.

Earlier this year, Graphic Packaging International (GPI) developed the new can packaging solution called KeelClip, that it said offered sustainability and merchandising benefits.

The three partners have worked closely with GPI to bring the sustainable packaging solution to market in replace of plastic wrap.

GPI’s solution, which completely covers can tops to keep then clean, features finger holes to allow for easy carrying and minimises the amount of paper required.

Steve Gould, GPI’s product development and marketing director of its Europe beverage division, 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.”

In response to the development, Coca-Cola HBC will invest €15 million into the packaging solution and pledges to remove shrink wrap from all of its can multipacks in all European Union markets by the end of 2021, saving 2,000 tonnes of plastic and 3,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.

Beginning in Ireland and Poland, Coca-Cola HBC plans to introduce KeelClip to its products early next year, followed by Austria, Italy, Switzerland and Romania in 2020. GPI’s packaging will be used on all can multipacks of up to eight cans, while larger can multipacks will be bound by a carton pack.

Meanwhile, Coca‑Cola European Partners will first roll out KeelClip in the Netherlands early next year and plans to invest €14 million in its factory in Dongen to install a new can line and a KeelClip packaging machine.

Marcel Martin, group supply chain director of Coca-Cola HBC, said: “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 light weighting across the portfolio,  KeelClip is another demonstration of our commitment to delivering our World Without Waste goals.”