Innovative drinks packaging by beverage companies works in collaboration with packaging manufacturers and design agencies that come up with sustainable, functional, and visually attractive solutioning. The key drivers are consumer demand, regulatory requirements, and changes in materials science and technology.
Global beverage companies have taken the lead to set a high standard in terms of sustainable packaging. Coca-Cola’s PlantBottle, launched in 2009, contains 30% plant-based material and thus cuts carbon emissions by quite a notch. The company also invests further in biodegradable and fully recyclable packaging in its goal to reach 100% sustainability in packaging by 2030.
Value chain partners like packaging producers Ball Corporation and Amcor establish lighter-weight sustainable materials. Through this, Ball Corporation reduced the average weight of its aluminum cans by 30% in the past three decades, saving millions of tons of aluminum without sacrificing structural integrity. Amcor, a leading producer of flexible packaging, showcased a new premium recyclable barrier film, AmLite Ultra, that cuts carbon footprints by up to 64% compared to conventional plastic.
Design agencies make much-needed interventions in packaging to both functional and aesthetic ends. Smart packaging innovations, such as thermochromic labels that would indicate temperature or QR code-enabled labels for digital interaction, often emerge from collaborations with creative firms. One leading beverage company, through a design agency’s 2022 campaign featuring interactive labels, recorded a 20% increase in consumer engagement due to well-designed packaging.
Material scientists and research institutions are contributing by developing innovative solutions, such as biodegradable plastics and advanced composites. Companies like Tetra Pak team up with universities to explore renewable materials, pushing the boundaries of what packaging can achieve.
Other ways startups innovate involve eco-friendly and tech-enabled solutions. Notpla, in 2021, developed biodegradable drink pods made out of seaweed, thus offering a zero-waste alternative to single-use plastics. Their product was used at the London Marathon, reducing plastic waste by 35% during the event.
Elon Musk said, “Collaboration drives innovation.” In this context, all the stakeholders named above are working together to achieve records concerning innovative drink packaging. This synergy ensures that the packaging meets functional needs while remaining tuned to environmental goals and consumer preferences.
Learn more about innovators in innovative drink packaging at innovative drink packaging.