Coca-Cola is taking another step toward reducing plastic waste — and Europe is getting the first look. In Austria, Coca-Cola HBC has begun testing paper-based bottle carriers that could eliminate nearly 200 tons of plastic every year.
The new system replaces traditional plastic shrink wrap with a recyclable corrugated-paper handle designed by DS Smith in collaboration with Krones. The “Lift Up” solution uses a strong paper band and a soft-grip cardboard handle to hold six-packs of 1.5-liter PET bottles. It’s lightweight, sturdy, uses minimal material, and is 100% recyclable.
DS Smith says the design follows its Circular Design Metrics approach — meaning it’s engineered to reduce waste, cut down on environmental impact, and improve user experience. With plastic pollution rising globally, innovations like these are becoming critical. The UN Environment Programme warns that plastic production could triple by 2060 if current trends continue.
Will This Packaging Come to the United States?
For now, there’s no confirmed timeline for a U.S. rollout.
According to reporting from TheStreet, neither Coca-Cola nor DS Smith has announced any plans to introduce the paper handles in American markets.
That means U.S. consumers will have to wait and watch to see if Coca-Cola decides to expand this European sustainability pilot to the States.
📢 Be Aware, We never charge any consultancy fee for jobs.
📲 Foodtech Network WhatsApp Jobs Group
Click to join WhatsApp group
👥Free Membership (For Jobs, Internship and Training)
Membership registration
⚙️ Food Entrepreneurs & Startups (For business owners)
Our services (Free and Paid)
📱 Food safety training and certification.
Download our App, Foodtech Network
