Chloe Zhang
Plastic six-pack rings have been a symbol of harmful plastic waste since the 1970s. They are dangerous to marine life, as they can entangle and strangle animals. While they are photodegradable by law in the US, they take a long time to degrade in the ocean and are still ingested by animals, causing them to starve as their digestive systems become plugged. As an alternative, some companies are turning to cardboard packaging or compostable holders. However, some experts argue that simply switching to different packaging materials is not enough, and that more plastic needs to be recycled and remade.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Environmental impact | Plastic six-pack rings have been known to harm and kill wildlife, including marine animals, by entanglement or ingestion. |
| Public perception | Images of entangled animals have sparked public backlash against plastic six-pack rings, with environmentalists warning about their contribution to plastic waste since the 1970s. |
| Regulatory response | In 1994, the US government mandated that plastic six-pack rings must be degradable. However, this does not address the issue of ingestion by animals as plastic breaks down into microplastics. |
| Industry alternatives | Some companies are transitioning to cardboard, compostable, or edible packaging alternatives to reduce plastic waste and increase recyclability. |
| Consumer behaviour | Individual actions like cutting plastic rings or recycling are important, but advocates also emphasise the need to reduce consumption and challenge the culture of convenience. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic six-pack rings are harmful to wildlife
Plastic six-pack rings have been a symbol of harmful plastic waste since the 1970s. They are dangerous to both marine and terrestrial wildlife. In 1987, the Associated Press reported that as many as one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals were killed every year by six-pack rings. This figure is widely cited but hard to trace. In 1984, the New York Times reported that 100,000 marine mammals die after encountering plastic every year.
Photographs of sea turtles and gulls trapped in plastic six-pack rings are common on the internet. However, terrestrial wildlife is also at risk. Squirrels, hedgehogs, and even cats have been found tangled in the plastic rings. Plastic six-pack rings have been known to entangle sea animals, staying stuck on them as they grow. They are also often ingested by animals.
While cutting up the plastic rings became a popular way to prevent animals from getting ensnared, it also posed issues for companies trying to recycle. Some companies are now turning away from plastic rings altogether. In 2016, the beer company Salt Water Brewery announced all their six-packs of Screamin' Reels IPA would be packaged with a compostable holder termed E6PR (Eco Six Pack Ring). It is made from byproducts of brewing beer, like spent wheat and barley, and is edible if it enters marine animal habitats.
However, some experts argue that simply switching to a different packaging material is not enough to stop landfills from overflowing. Instead, we must cut down on consumption and increase the amount of recycled content used in packaging.
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They contribute to pollution and environmental damage
Plastic six-pack rings have been a significant contributor to pollution and environmental damage. They have been known to cause harm to wildlife, with many images circulating on the internet of sea turtles, gulls, and other marine animals entangled in the plastic rings. Terrestrial wildlife is also at risk, with squirrels, hedgehogs, and cats found tangled in the rings. The issue is not new, with environmentalists warning of the dangers since the 1970s.
The plastic rings have been cited as a "particularly dangerous form of marine litter" due to their ability to entangle or strangle marine animals. In 1987, the Associated Press reported that as many as one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals were killed annually by six-pack rings. While the rings may not be the most common form of plastic debris in the ocean, once they enter the marine environment, they pose a severe threat to wildlife. The lightweight nature of the rings means they can easily be blown from bins or landfills into the ocean, and they are not recyclable.
The plastic used in six-pack rings is also an issue. While some plastic rings are mandated to be degradable, this does not mean they are biodegradable. The plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, eventually reaching microplastic levels, which are then ingested by animals. This was acknowledged by Nick Mallos, director of the Ocean Conservancy's Trash Free Seas program, who stated that while edible rings are preferable if ingested by marine animals, they do not prevent the plastic from entering the ocean and being consumed by wildlife.
Some companies are taking steps to address the issue, with beer companies like Salt Water Brewery and Carlsberg Breweries turning to compostable or edible holders for their six-packs. Coca-Cola and PepsiCo have also announced plans to introduce recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable packaging by 2025. However, some experts argue that simply switching to different packaging materials is not enough, and that reducing consumption and increasing recycling efforts are necessary to combat the pollution and environmental damage caused by plastic six-pack rings.
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They are non-biodegradable and remain in the environment
Plastic six-pack rings are non-biodegradable and persist in the environment, causing harm to wildlife and contributing to pollution. They have been known to entangle and trap various animals, including sea turtles, gulls, squirrels, hedgehogs, and even cats. Once entangled, these creatures may struggle to free themselves, leading to injuries or even death.
The issue of non-biodegradability is not limited to plastic six-pack rings alone. Since the 1950s, over eight billion metric tons of plastic have been produced, with 79% of it piling up in landfills, according to a 2017 study. This accumulation of plastic waste has severe ecological consequences. Recognizing the problem, some companies are transitioning away from plastic rings. For example, Coors Light announced its commitment to using 100% sustainable, plastic-free, fully recyclable, and reusable packaging.
While efforts to replace plastic six-pack rings with cardboard or biodegradable alternatives are commendable, some experts argue that simply switching materials may not be enough. Joshua Baca, vice president of the plastics division at the American Chemistry Council, asserts that alternative materials may still end up in the environment or be incinerated. Instead, he suggests that companies should focus on increasing the recycled content in their packaging. Coca-Cola, for instance, aims to make its packaging recyclable worldwide by 2025.
To comprehensively address the issue of non-biodegradable plastic six-pack rings, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes reducing plastic consumption, improving recycling practices, and advocating for deeper systemic changes that challenge the culture of convenience and overconsumption. By combining individual actions, such as cutting plastic rings and recycling, with collective efforts to reduce plastic production and improve waste management, we can make significant strides in mitigating the environmental impact of non-biodegradable plastic six-pack rings and other forms of plastic pollution.
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They are a symbol of harmful plastic waste
Plastic six-pack rings have been a symbol of harmful plastic waste since the 1970s. They are an example of single-use plastic, which is a significant contributor to the global plastic waste crisis.
Plastic six-pack rings are particularly harmful because they are a form of marine litter that can entangle or strangle marine animals. They can also be ingested by animals, causing internal damage or even death. Images of sea turtles and gulls trapped in plastic six-pack rings have sparked public backlash against their use. While cutting up the plastic rings can prevent animals from getting stuck, it makes it more difficult for recycling companies to sort and process the plastic.
The issue of plastic six-pack rings is not limited to marine life. Terrestrial wildlife, including squirrels, hedgehogs, and even cats, have all been found tangled in these plastic rings. This highlights how plastic waste can impact ecosystems on land and in water.
To address the problem, some companies are turning away from plastic rings altogether. For example, Salt Water Brewery uses edible and compostable holders for its six-packs, while Carlsberg Breweries employs a newly engineered type of glue to hold their six-packs together. Other companies, such as Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, are increasing the amount of recycled content in their packaging and working towards making their packaging recyclable worldwide. These efforts reflect a growing awareness of the environmental and ecological harm caused by plastic six-pack rings and a commitment to finding sustainable alternatives.
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Alternatives are available, such as cardboard or compostable holders
Plastic six-pack rings have been known to harm wildlife, with images of sea turtles, gulls, squirrels, hedgehogs, and cats tangled in the plastic widely available on the internet. Environmentalists have warned that discarded plastic is building up in landfills, sewers, and rivers, eventually flowing into oceans.
Various alternatives to plastic six-pack rings are available, including cardboard and compostable holders. Cardboard wrap carriers, for example, are being adopted by Coors Light for its North American brands, with the company planning to eliminate 1.7 million pounds of plastic waste annually by the end of 2025. Heineken UK also announced that it would introduce cardboard grips, removing 517 tonnes of plastic from its supply chain.
Compostable holders, such as the Eco Six Pack Rings (E6PR), are another alternative. These rings are made from natural fibres, including straw and wheat fibre, and are fully biodegradable. They are intended to fall apart over time, preventing the environmental damage caused by plastic six-pack rings. E6PR is marketed to breweries and microbreweries worldwide, with brewers in Mexico, the USA, Australia, South Africa, Poland, Scotland, and the Solomon Islands already using them. While sturdy enough to hold cans together, E6PR will degrade in less than 200 days, depending on the ecosystem.
Some companies are also exploring innovative alternatives to traditional six-pack rings. For example, Danish brewer Carlsberg uses a small blob of specially formulated glue to hold cans together, reducing plastic waste by 76% and eliminating 1,200 tons of plastic production.
While switching to alternative packaging materials is a step towards sustainability, some experts argue that it might not be enough to address the issue of overflowing landfills. Instead, they suggest that increasing the amount of recycled content in packaging and improving recycling infrastructure are crucial components of a more holistic solution.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic six-pack rings are harmful to marine life, as they can strangle or entangle marine animals. They are also often ingested by animals, which can cause them to starve as their digestive systems become plugged up with plastic.
Individuals can cut up plastic six-pack rings before disposing of them to reduce the risk of animals becoming entangled. However, this does not eliminate the risk of ingestion. Some companies are also transitioning to packaging that does not include plastic, such as cardboard or barley straw.
Some companies are using cardboard wrap carriers or barley straw to package their products. Other alternatives include compostable holders, such as the E6PR (Eco Six Pack Ring) used by Salt Water Brewery, or edible rings.
Individuals can reduce their plastic consumption by avoiding products packaged in plastic, such as buying beer or soda in glass bottles instead of cans. It is also important to recycle and properly dispose of plastic waste to prevent it from ending up in the ocean or other natural environments.
