Sofia Martinez
Plastic beer rings have been a source of environmental concern for many years. Plastic six-pack rings, in particular, have been criticised for their harm to wildlife and contribution to pollution. While some are made from photodegradable plastic, they still pose a threat to wildlife and can take years to degrade. In response, some beer companies are transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives, such as paper rings, biodegradable plastic rings, or fibre-based materials. However, critics argue that these alternatives may still end up in the environment or be incinerated. To address this issue, some companies are increasing the amount of recycled content in their packaging and committing to making their packaging recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Environmental Impact | Harmful to wildlife, contributes to pollution, and is a form of marine litter |
| Consumer Action | Cutting up plastic rings to prevent entanglement of wildlife |
| Company Action | Transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives, increasing recycled content in packaging, investing in sustainable materials |
| Government Action | US mandated degradable packaging in 1994, EPA recommended biodegradability performance standard in 1993 |
| Eco-Friendly Alternatives | Biodegradable plastic pack rings, paper rings, fibre-based materials, plant-based plastic, recyclable plastic handles, glue |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic beer rings can be recycled with other plastic film at some supermarkets
- They are harmful to wildlife and the environment, breaking down into microplastics
- Some companies are replacing plastic rings with eco-friendly alternatives
- Biodegradable plastic rings are available, but they are not curbside recyclable in most states
- Consumers can return plastic rings to verified collection locations for reuse or recycling
Plastic beer rings can be recycled with other plastic film at some supermarkets
Plastic beer rings are a menace to wildlife, especially when they leak into the environment. Even photodegradable plastic breaks down into microplastics, which are often consumed by marine life and birds. While some people have committed to drinking beer on draught or in refillable growlers to avoid single-use waste, others are left wondering what to do with the plastic rings.
Plastic six-pack rings can be recycled with other plastic films, such as plastic bags, at some supermarkets. However, they are not accepted by single-stream recycling programs or curbside recycling in most states. For example, in Massachusetts, they can only be recycled if turned in at a supermarket or municipality transfer station that offers plastic film recycling.
If you live in Massachusetts or Rhode Island, there are local breweries and beverage stores that have organized to take back can holders for recycling. PakTech, the manufacturer of these rigid six-pack rings, also offers to take them back for recycling at various drop-off locations, mostly at craft beer stores.
In Chicago, a newly launched Chicagoland Can Carrier Reuse and Recycling Co-op is creating a system to collect, redistribute, and recycle the plastic carriers. Breweries and bottle shops have signed on to the program, and distributors like Heartland Beverage will pick up and deliver the collected carriers.
While some companies are transitioning to paper or plant-based packaging, plastic rings continue to be a challenge for recycling and the environment.
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They are harmful to wildlife and the environment, breaking down into microplastics
Plastic six-pack rings have long been criticised for the harm they can cause to wildlife and the environment. In 1994, the United States government mandated that plastic six-pack rings must be degradable, but plastic pollution has continued to grow as an environmental problem.
The issue with plastic six-pack rings is that they break down into microplastics, which are often consumed by marine life and birds who mistake them for food. This has led to calls for companies to transition to alternative materials, such as paper rings or biodegradable plastic. Some craft breweries, like Deep Ellum Brewing Company in Texas and Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. in New York, have started using durable plastic handles, which are easier to recycle despite being made of more plastic than the rings.
However, some have expressed scepticism about these alternatives, arguing that they may still end up in the environment and contribute to pollution. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have also committed to making their packaging recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable worldwide by 2025.
To address the issue of plastic six-pack ring pollution, some organisations have created maps of verified can carrier collection locations where consumers can return them for reuse or proper recycling. For example, Mass. Brew Bros. and Eco-Friendly Beer have created a map of locations in Massachusetts, and there are also affiliate programs in Vermont, Rhode Island, and Chicago. Additionally, the RingRecycleMe program allows individuals to mail back their plastic six-pack rings for recycling free of charge.
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Some companies are replacing plastic rings with eco-friendly alternatives
Plastic six-pack rings have long posed a threat to wildlife, particularly sea animals, which can become entangled in them or ingest them. In 1994, the United States government mandated that plastic six-pack rings must be degradable, but plastic pollution has persisted as an environmental problem.
In response to growing concerns about plastic pollution, some companies are replacing plastic rings with eco-friendly alternatives. For example, Grupo Modelo has invested $4 million to replace hard-to-recycle plastic packaging with fiber-based materials. Coca-Cola has also shown interest in eco-friendly alternatives, producing 900 prototype bottles made almost entirely of plant-based plastic. PepsiCo has committed to using 100% recycled plastic in nine European markets by the end of 2022 and aims to design recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging by 2025.
Craft breweries like Deep Ellum Brewing Company in Texas and Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. in New York are also taking steps to reduce plastic waste. They have adopted durable plastic handles, which are easier to recycle despite using more plastic than traditional rings.
Some companies are exploring innovative solutions, such as edible six-pack rings. Saltwater Brewery, in collaboration with We Believers, has developed edible rings made from wheat and barley remnants left over from the beer-making process. These rings are biodegradable and safe for animals to consume, offering a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic rings.
In addition to edible rings, sugarcane beer ring holders made from sugarcane pulp and other plant fibers offer another sustainable option. These rings are compostable, easily recyclable, and cost-effective, providing a more environmentally friendly choice for companies seeking to reduce their plastic waste.
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Biodegradable plastic rings are available, but they are not curbside recyclable in most states
Plastic six-pack rings have been known to harm wildlife and cause pollution, and are not typically accepted by most recycling programs. In 1994, the United States government mandated that plastic six-pack rings must be degradable, but plastic waste continues to be an environmental problem. While biodegradable plastic rings are available, they are not a perfect solution as they are not accepted in curbside recycling in most states and can take years to degrade, during which time they can be harmful to wildlife and contribute to microplastics in the food chain.
Biodegradable plastic rings are made from alternating layers of marine biodegradable plastic and marine biodegradable soluble plastic. When submerged in water, these layers separate, weaken, and start to degrade within 24 hours. This allows any wildlife that may become entangled in the rings to break free. However, the time it takes for these products to fully degrade is not clearly defined or certified and they can still pose a danger to wildlife and the environment in the meantime.
Some states, such as Delaware, allow plastic six-pack rings if they are "photodegradable, biodegradable, or recyclable," but biodegradable and photodegradable materials can take years to break down and are not accepted in curbside recycling bins. Maine and Canada have banned plastic six-pack rings entirely, and other states are considering similar legislation.
Companies are also taking steps to reduce their use of plastic packaging. Coca-Cola, for example, has committed to making its packaging recyclable worldwide by 2025, and PepsiCo plans to design recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging by the same year. Some craft breweries are using durable plastic handles, which are easier to recycle, and some beer and soda companies are transitioning to fiber-based packaging materials.
While biodegradable plastic rings can be a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic six-pack rings, they are not a comprehensive solution due to the lack of widespread recycling options and the time it takes for them to degrade. To properly dispose of biodegradable plastic rings, individuals may need to seek out specific recycling drop-off locations or programs that accept this type of material.
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Consumers can return plastic rings to verified collection locations for reuse or recycling
Plastic six-pack rings have been known to harm wildlife and pollute the environment. While cutting them up can prevent animals from getting entangled, it also makes it harder to recycle them. Some companies are increasing the amount of recycled content used in packaging, while others are transitioning to paper rings or more eco-friendly plastic handles.
In Chicago, for example, a newly launched programme called Chicagoland Can Carrier Reuse and Recycling Co-op is creating a system in which plastic rings can be collected, redistributed for reuse, or sent to a facility for recycling. Consumers can return plastic rings to any of the participating breweries or bottle shops. Some breweries, including Temperance and Midwest Coast, will reward people with free pours equivalent to the number of carriers they deposit.
In Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island, a similar programme has been spearheaded by Rob Vandenabeele, the founder of EcoFriendlyBeer.com. Consumers can drop off carriers at any of the participating breweries or bottle shops, and some breweries will offer rewards for doing so.
In addition to these local initiatives, some major companies are also taking steps to address the issue of plastic packaging. Grupo Modelo has invested $4 million to replace hard-to-recycle plastic packaging with fibre-based materials, and Coca-Cola has committed to making its packaging recyclable worldwide by 2025. PepsiCo plans to design recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging by 2025 and to use 100% recycled plastic in nine European markets by the end of 2022.
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Frequently asked questions
Some eco-friendly alternatives to plastic beer rings include fibre-based materials, paper rings, and durable plastic handles. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have also committed to using recycled plastic in their packaging.
Plastic beer rings can be recycled with other plastic films, such as plastic bags, which some supermarkets accept. They can also be recycled at a municipality transfer station that offers plastic film recycling or mailed back to the manufacturer through the RingRecycleMe program.
Yes, plastic beer rings can be harmful to the environment, especially to wildlife. Even photodegradable plastic breaks down into microplastics, which can be consumed by marine life and birds.
Some companies that provide biodegradable plastic pack rings include Eco-Friendly Can Rings and Grip-Pak.
