In California, beverage giant PepsiCo is trialing the use of molded pulp material to replace the plastic rings used in distribution of 6-packs.
The company will replace the plastic rings on 7.5-ounce packages of Pepsi and Sierra Mist for four weeks in the Sacramento area.
While the traditional plastic rings are recyclable, the molded pulp replacements are recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable.
“This test is just one of many that will ultimately help us scale solutions to achieve these goals,” Emily Silver, vice president of innovation and marketing capabilities at PepsiCo Beverages North America, told FoodNavigator-USA. “In Sacramento, we will be testing for benefits and drawbacks of each option, including functionality; it’s important that the functionality of the options are at parity with our current plastic 6-pack rings. The insights we gain from this market test will be used to inform our long-term strategy.”