MillerCoors is testing biodegradable rings on select six-packs of Colorado Native beer as part of an effort to develop and refine more environmentally sustainable packaging across its portfolio of brands, the company said.
As part of a small test in Colorado, AC Golden, one of the company’s craft brands, is testing the plastic-free fiber-based six-pack rings in a Denver-area retailer on four of its Colorado Native beers.
The rings are compostable, biodegradable and recyclable. Developed by Footprint, a Gilbert, Ariz.-based manufacturer that seeks to eliminate the use of plastics, the rings are a limited-time “test-and-learn” that will help MillerCoors gauge their long-term viability.
MillerCoors for the next few months will be gathering feedback from its retail partners and consumers to help determine if the idea is scalable across other brands.
“The design met all of our criteria for integrity and strength,” says Jason M. Kelly, senior manager of packaging innovation for MillerCoors. “This test-and-learn allows us to get it out there and in front of consumers as they pull it off the shelf, carry to the cash register, to their cars and into their homes.”
The test is part of a larger effort of MillerCoors and Molson Coors to help solve the global plastics waste crisis. Molson Coors also is working on packaging tests and delivery model pilots in other global markets. The goal is to reduce its carbon footprint and the amount of plastics in packaging.