KeelClip, an innovative packaging technology utilised by Coca-Cola as part of its move to replace plastic packaging on its multi-pack cans, has triumphed in the design and finishing category of the German Packaging Award 2020.

The solution, supplied by market leader in paper-based packaging solutions, Graphic Packaging International (“Graphic Packaging”), was recognised for its ‘Driving the Circular Economy – Accelerating Towards a World Without Waste’ entry in the prestigious awards, organised by the German Packaging Institute (DVI).

 

By switching to solutions such as KeelClip, Coca-Cola has made progress on its ‘Action on Packaging’ strategy, which includes the aim to remove all unnecessary or hard-to-recycle plastics from its packaging portfolio. 

Ralf Peters, Vice President Procurement, for Coca-Cola European Partners, said: “Innovation is a critical part of finding the most sustainable ways of delivering our drinks to consumers and we’re delighted that the KeelClip solution was recognised in this award. Innovative solutions such as KeelClip will help us to achieve our goal of moving from shrink to board for our multipack cans.”

The KeelClip solution is the first of its kind to work on all can sizes, diameters and multipack configurations (up to a 10 pack), making the solution easily scalable for brand owners with large range offerings to pack.

 

The innovative design features a central ‘keel’ for enhanced stabilisation and the large surface area covering the can tops offers up enhanced branding opportunities, while addressing consumer hygiene concerns.

Steve Gould, New Product Development and Marketing Director of the beverage division at Graphic Packaging, added: “Taken at face value, KeelClip is a breakthrough innovation as it provides a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging. However, KeelClip’s potential is truly unleashed when you factor in its scalability and ability to meet the speed and efficiency demands of today’s fastest filling lines on all can sizes and configurations. This is a huge advantage for brands looking for a consistent, one-stop solution to meet sustainability requirements, while focusing on brand premiumisation, now and over the coming years.”

 

Graphic Packaging International, a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), is committed to providing consumer packaging that makes a world of difference. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, the Company is a leading provider of paper-based packaging solutions for a wide variety of products to food, beverage, foodservice, and other consumer product companies. The Company operates on a global basis, is one of the largest producers of folding cartons and paper-based foodservice products and holds leading market positions in solid bleached sulphate paperboard, coated unbleached kraft paperboard and coated recycled paperboard.  The Company's customers include many of the world's most widely recognized companies and brands.

Graphic Packaging International’s European operation specialises in the design and production of single and multipack cartonboard packaging solutions, paper cups, containers and lids for four primary sectors: Beverage, Food and Household, Personal Care and Foodservice. The company also supplies packaging machinery systems.

 

https://graphicpkg.com

https://www.graphicpkgeurope.com