Footprint testing fiber-based recyclable six-pack ring

Footprint, a Denver-based manufacturer focused on making environmentally friendly packaging solutions, has introduced a plastic-free, fiber-based six-pack ring for beverage cans. The eco-friendly, biodegradable rings are now being tested on a selection of Colorado Native beers. According to a news release from Footprint, Colorado Native is the first brand to test Footprint’s compostable and recyclable six-pack ring solution. Colorado Native is brewed by AC Golden, an incubator brewery within Coors Brewing Co. in Golden, Colorado, that is charged with developing small above-premium malt beverages.

The rings are made from postindustrial recycled fiber and are recyclable and compostable in commercial composting facilities, Footprint reports in a news release. Plastic pollution is an environmental concern, so global organizations, governments and companies like Footprint are trying to find solutions to limit the production and use of single-use plastics. Footprint and AC Golden are working together to introduce a six-pack ring that does not contribute to global plastic pollution.

“As a company, environmental stewardship is incredibly important from the ingredients grown in the field to the packaging on our products. It was very important that we find a packaging solution that can perform at the same standards our retailers and customers expect with the current plastic ring. In this case, we are pleased with both the durability and environmental performance we’ve achieved with Footprint,” says David Coors, president of AC Golden Brewing Co.

In order to ensure the product met the performance standards of AC Golden, Footprint conducted and built custom testing procedures and apparatus to demonstrate the durability of the fiber six-pack rings. The new fiber rings were tested under extreme conditions which exposed them to a high humidity environment for 24 hours before conducting standard transit testing.   

“After months of testing that demonstrates real-world distribution and usage, we’re confident this six-pack ring will perform as well as plastic,” says Jeff Bassett, vice president of marketing at Footprint. “Our goal is always to find the best ways to eliminate the need for plastic in common-use products. With the introduction of Footprint’s six-pack ring, we are changing the game for beverage packaging and distribution by delivering a plastic-free solution that is applied in high volume and performs.”