TopClip is an alternative to plastic for bundling canned beverages

Dublin-based Smurfit Kappa has partnered with Germany-based KHS, a leading manufacturer of filling and packaging systems for the beverage and liquid food industries, to roll out its TopClip multipack product for bundling canned beverages. Smurfit Kappa says the packaging technology is suitable for high-speed packaging machines.

Launched last year at Smurfit Kappa’s global Better Planet Packaging Day, TopClip is a patented recyclable solution that replaces the need for shrink wrap, substituting plastic with sustainably sourced paper-based packaging. TopClip is free from additional glue, meaning it is plastic-free and allows for cans to be easily pulled free.

TopClip fully covers the top of can multipacks, protecting them from contamination and providing consumer handling and branding opportunities, Smurfit Kappa says. The packaging format also has a 30 percent lower carbon footprint compared with a shrink-wrap consumer pack.

Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, says “Since its launch last year, the TopClip packaging solution has generated significant interest as a sustainable option to plastic alternatives and is considered one of the best solutions in the market, from both a consumer experience and sustainable perspective.

“Our customers rely on us to provide innovative and high-quality end-to-end packaging solutions, and this partnership with a technology world leader like KHS allows us to work in perfect harmony with their high-spec machine solutions.”

Johannes T. Grobe, chief sales officer at KHS, adds “At KHS, we take on a pioneering role when it comes to sustainability, and the TopClip product illustrates a further alternative when it comes to providing sustainable packaging solutions for retailers and brands.

“Optimizing packaging systems and thus saving on materials and energy has always been one of KHS’ core areas of expertise. TopClip is a further game-changer for the beverage industry, and together with Smurfit Kappa, we are delighted to provide our customers with a holistic packaging and automation solution.”