Plastic Beer Rings: Environmental Impact And Solutions

Plastic six-pack rings have long been a source of plastic pollution, with environmentalists warning since the 1980s that discarded plastic is building up in landfills, sewers, rivers, and oceans. While they can be recycled with other plastic films, they are often not recycled properly and pose a significant threat to wildlife. Animals can become entangled in the rings or ingest them, leading to tragic consequences. Despite being marketed as recyclable, plastic six-pack rings often end up in landfills due to the challenges of recycling them through single-stream recycling programs. However, some breweries and consumers are taking initiatives to tackle this problem, and alternative packaging options, such as biodegradable and recyclable cardboard packs, are gaining popularity.

Plastic beer rings are not typically recycled

Plastic six-pack rings used for beer cans are a significant contributor to plastic waste. These plastic rings are not typically recycled, despite marketing claims that they are 100% recyclable. The issue lies in the single-stream recycling programs favoured by many cities, where the plastic rings tend to get rejected by facilities or escape detection by sorting machinery. As a result, millions of plastic rings end up in landfills, posing a severe threat to wildlife.

The plastic rings, even the photodegradable ones, break down into microplastics that are often ingested by marine life and birds, leading to fatal consequences. Recognizing the environmental impact, breweries and organizations are taking initiatives to tackle the problem. For instance, the Chicagoland Can Carrier Reuse and Recycling Co-op collects plastic carriers, redistributes them for reuse, or sends them to facilities for recycling. Additionally, some breweries are opting for alternative packaging, such as sturdy plastic snap-on can carriers or cardboard boxes, which are considered more eco-friendly.

However, the effectiveness of these initiatives is limited by the lack of participation from all breweries and the challenges of collecting and recycling plastic rings. To address this, a circular economy model is proposed, where materials are recovered, reused, or phased out instead of ending up as waste. This approach requires leadership and legislative support to implement systemic changes and reduce plastic pollution.

While some individuals take it upon themselves to consume beer on draught or in refillable containers to minimize their contribution to single-use waste, the responsibility for reducing plastic waste ultimately lies with those in positions of power. It is crucial for decision-makers and industry leaders to prioritize environmental sustainability and work towards finding solutions that can effectively reduce the impact of plastic waste on the planet.

Plastic waste is a contributor to global pollution

The impact of plastic waste on the environment is profound. According to the World Economic Forum, at least 8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year, contributing to the growing plastic pollution crisis. This pollution has severe consequences for marine life, with approximately 100,000 marine creatures dying annually due to entanglement or ingestion of plastic waste. Even photodegradable plastic rings break down into microplastics, which are often consumed by marine animals and birds, posing a significant threat to their health and the environment.

The beer industry has recognized the environmental impact of plastic packaging and is taking steps to reduce plastic waste. Some breweries, such as Estrella Damm, Carlsberg, and Saltwater Brewery, are testing biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives to plastic six-pack rings. Others, like Corona and Guinness, have committed to using Eco Six Pack Rings or biodegradable cardboard packs. These efforts demonstrate a shift towards more sustainable practices in the industry.

While plastic beer rings and carriers may not be the biggest contributor to the global plastic pollution crisis, they are a part of the problem. By eliminating unnecessary packaging and switching to compostable options, studies suggest that plastic waste could be reduced by nearly half. Consumers also have a role to play by supporting breweries that prioritize sustainability and choosing beer brands that have ditched plastic packaging.

Addressing plastic waste is crucial in mitigating the broader impacts of pollution on the environment and public health. With collective efforts and a shift towards sustainable alternatives, we can reduce the contribution of plastic waste to global pollution and work towards a greener future.

Plastic rings are harmful to wildlife

Plastic rings, particularly the six-pack variety, pose a significant threat to wildlife. They are known to entangle and trap animals, including sea turtles, gulls, dolphins, squirrels, hedgehogs, and even cats. The plastic rings can stay stuck on the animals as they grow, causing harm or even death. Despite efforts to cut the rings before disposal, this has not solved the problem, and the large-scale behavioural change required is challenging to achieve.

The plastic rings also contribute to the growing plastic pollution in our environment. Since the 1980s, environmentalists have warned about the buildup of discarded plastic in landfills, sewers, rivers, and oceans. A 2017 study found that plastic polluted all major ocean basins, and an estimated 4 to 12 million metric tons of plastic waste entered marine environments in 2010 alone. This pollution breaks down into microplastics, which are often consumed by marine life and birds, mistaking them for food.

While some initiatives have been successful in mitigating the impact of plastic rings on wildlife, such as the Chicagoland Can Carrier Reuse and Recycling Co-op, the difficulty in quantifying the full scope of the problem remains. The direct and indirect dangers posed by plastic rings to wildlife are significant, and it takes just one ring to harm or kill an animal.

To address this issue, some companies have developed alternative materials for six-pack holders. For example, Saltwater Brewery created edible and biodegradable rings made from wheat and barley byproducts, which are safe for marine animals to nibble on and quickly break down in ocean water. These innovative solutions offer a promising future for reducing the harm caused by plastic rings to wildlife.

Alternatives to plastic rings exist

Plastic six-pack rings have long been known to be harmful to wildlife and the environment. They are a menace to wildlife when leaked into the environment, and even photodegradable plastic breaks down into microplastics that are often consumed by marine life and birds. Since the 1980s, environmentalists have warned that discarded plastic is building up in landfills, sewers, and rivers, and flowing into oceans.

Some companies are now offering eco-friendly and photodegradable four-pack, six-pack, eight-pack, or 12-pack rings for cans and bottles. These rings are made from premium materials and are perfect for packaging beer and soft drink cans and bottles. They are also competitively priced and guaranteed to satisfy.

Some breweries have also started using cardboard wrap to keep their six-packs together, while others are using "snap packs" that employ glue dots to stick cans together. Irish brewery Guinness has announced that it will switch to a biodegradable and recyclable cardboard pack for its six-packs. European brewer Carlsberg is also on the cutting edge of more sustainable beer packaging, trialing a fully recyclable bottle made of a sustainably produced paper container with a plant-based lining, called the Fiber Bottle, in select European countries.

In addition to these alternatives, some breweries are also tackling the problem of plastic waste by implementing carrier collection and recycling programs. For example, the Chicagoland Can Carrier Reuse and Recycling Co-op is creating a system in which carriers can be collected, redistributed for reuse, or sent to a facility for recycling. Dozens of breweries and bottle shops have already signed on to this program, and similar programs have been implemented in Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island.

Some breweries are tackling plastic waste

Plastic six-pack rings have been a significant source of plastic waste, with millions of them ending up in landfills and oceans, posing a severe threat to wildlife. Environmentalists have long warned about the dangers of plastic pollution, and breweries are now taking action to tackle this issue.

Some breweries are actively addressing the problem by reducing their reliance on plastic can carriers and finding alternative packaging solutions. For example, Tree House Brewing has never used can carriers, opting for boxes for on-site retail sales. Corrugated cardboard is more environmentally friendly, just as reusable, and preferred by many environmental groups. Pure Project Brewing in San Diego has also embraced a plastic-free approach, encouraging customers to bring their own bags or saved can carriers for takeaway purchases and using biodegradable and compostable Eco Rings from E6PR for distribution.

Several breweries are also focusing on reusing and recycling plastic can carriers. Temperance Beer in Evanston, Illinois, for instance, has made efforts to reuse or properly recycle carriers, and they are now part of the Chicagoland Can Carrier Reuse and Recycling Co-op. This co-op aims to collect, redistribute, and recycle carriers, keeping them out of landfills and reducing the need for new carriers. Half Acre Brewery in Chicago has also played a role, acting as a drop point for fellow brewers to return their carriers.

Craft for Climate, founded by Alex Parker, is another initiative addressing plastic waste. The project educates people about climate change through the lens of beer. It has implemented a carrier collection program in Chicago, where consumers can drop off carriers at participating breweries or bottle shops, with some breweries offering incentives such as free pours. This program aims to keep carriers in circulation and out of the waste stream for as long as possible.

In addition to reusing and recycling, some breweries are exploring compostable alternatives. Gentile Brewing in Beverly, for instance, has switched from plastic to compostable E6PR toppers, despite the higher cost. They recognize the importance of making environmentally conscious choices, even if it comes at a financial cost. Bone Up Brewing in Everett is also encouraging the return of used toppers by offering customers a dollar per dozen for those that match the color of their cans.

These efforts by breweries to tackle plastic waste demonstrate a growing awareness and commitment to environmental sustainability within the industry. By reducing, reusing, recycling, and exploring alternative materials, breweries are playing a crucial role in minimizing the impact of plastic waste on our planet.

Frequently asked questions