After switching to 100% recycled can carriers, Grolsch is now introducing new cardboard packaging for cans.
The brewery started replacing all its plastic can carriers with cardboard as early as this year, launching its patented TopClip packaging for multi-packs. This new packaging is 100% plastic-free, and by replacing all can carriers in the Dutch market with this cardboard equivalent, Grolsch will save more than 100,000 kg of new plastic every year, which is the same as over 4 million new plastic bags!
Launch at PLUS Supermarkets
The new cardboard TopClip packaging was launched exclusively at PLUS, which has been voted the country’s most responsible supermarket chain for the past five years. From mid-March until the end of August 2020, Grolsch multi-packs with TopClip packaging were exclusively available at selected PLUS supermarkets throughout the Netherlands.
Sustainable, high-quality and easy to use
Grolsch recently transitioned to using 100% recycled plastic for its plastic can carriers, but their ambition to replace disposable plastic with more sustainable alternatives has led them to continue to innovate. The TopClip packaging was developed by Smurfit Kappa. An independent Life Cycle Analysis showed that replacing the current plastic can carriers with TopClip packaging would lead to carbon savings of a huge 36% compared to new plastic and 16% to recycled plastic carriers. The total so-called Eco-costs are even cut in half. TopClip packaging is also 100% recyclable and FSC-certified.
“Grolsch was impressed by the sustainable character, premium appearance and carrying comfort of this new solution. It meshes with our ambition to maximise the use of circular packaging and eliminate disposable plastic, as we believe we are responsible for contributing to a better, greener and circular world.” commented Ard Bossema, Marketing & Strategy Director at Grolsch.
Sustainable. Character.
Under the name ‘Duurzaam. Karakter.’ (‘Sustainable. Character.’), Royal Grolsch has pursued an active sustainability policy for many years. One of the key principles is taking a circular, inclusive approach to how they think and what they do. Almost 100% of all Grolsch packaging for the Dutch market can be recycled. Grolsch was the first brewer in the world to produce crates made from 100% recycled consumer plastic. Following the recent switch to 100% recycled can carriers, the introduction of TopClip packaging marks a major step forward in eliminating disposable plastic and maximising circular packaging.