Capri Sun has switched production to the new paper straw and is now equipping the 200ml varieties for the European market with it. The company is thus complying with EU legislation that bans the marketing of a number of single-use plastic items from 3 July.
The first Capri-Sun pouches with paper straws left the Eppelheim plant in April. By the beginning of June the entire production process.
„It was a tour de force. Due to the very high demand at the moment, we have geared our systems at full capacity to packaging with the paper straw.“ Christian Kral, Managing Director of Production in Eppelheim,
With the changeover, the company is fulfilling the requirements of the new EU law as planned, according to which disposable plastic products may no longer be placed on the market. Depending on the rotation of individual flavours, the drinks shelves will increasingly be filled with Capri-Sun pouches with paper straws in the coming weeks. „We expect that the ‚fast movers‘ in just a few weeks will only be available with a paper straw,“ adds Kral.
Paper straw as an alternative
In extensive tests, including in use by children and adults, Capri-Sun the paper straw as the most practical alternative shown. „We are aware that this means a change, especially for long-standing Capri-Sun customers. But with a few simple handling tricks, the new straw works just as well as the previous one.“
It is best to leave the outer packaging on the bag and push the straw out from the bottom upwards. When inserting the straw into the bag, hold it close to the tip so that it retains its stability and does not kink. It also has No inherent flavour and still allows the usual Capri-Sun drinking pleasure. „Just like its predecessor, the paper straw, whose surface is perceived as slightly softer than that of the plastic straw, should not be chewed on,“ says Judith Förster, Senior Marketing Manager at Capri Sun.
Soon a completely recyclable bag?
According to a recent Forsa survey, four out of five respondents are in favour of banning single-use plastic items. „This reflects an overall social concern for environmentally friendly products, to which we as the market leader for children's drinks and as a family business naturally also feel committed,“ emphasises Roland Weening, CEO of the Capri Sun Group.
The introduction of the paper straw has now been completed. In addition, a Capri Sun innovation team is working together with technicians, scientists from universities, research centres and global suppliers, Replace the current bag with a completely recyclable alternative. „What makes the development so complex and time-consuming is that we want to continue producing our Capri-Sun without preservatives, artificial flavourings or colourings. In addition, production must be highly scalable so that we can fulfil the enormous demand,“ summarises Weening.
Source: Capri Sun
