Ribena has become the first major juice drinks brand in the UK to introduce a paper straw to its drinks cartons.
Packs of Ribena with the new paper straw design are now available in Tesco as part of a trial.
The bendable paper straws are the latest in a stream of packaging innovations that Ribena, whose factory is based in Coleford in the Forest of Dean, has invested in.
Jo Padwick, Business Transformation Manager at Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I, comments: “Further improving the recyclability of our cartons is an important step in achieving our 100% sustainable packaging by 2030 ambition, but for full circularity, local authorities need to work with brands to ensure cartons and straws are recycled more.
“Currently only 65 per cent of local authorities collect cartons from household waste which is why we’re welcoming national governments’ moves to introduce consistency in household recycling collections.
“Developing a bendable, durable paper straw hasn’t been easy but recycling it should be. We’ve conducted hours of consumer testing to make sure our new paper straws can puncture the carton, that they don’t become soggy, and that Ribena lovers enjoy the feel of sipping from them. Now that they’re on shelf in Tesco we can gather even more feedback before rolling the straws out more widely.”
Finding a suitable paper replacement for plastic straws eliminates a piece of plastic packaging that often goes unrecycled and brand owners, Suntory Beverage & Food Great Britain and Ireland (SBF GB&I), have been working with sustainable packaging experts Transcend Packaging to develop this 100 per cent recyclable paper alternative.
This alternative will prevent up to 16 tonnes of plastic being produced per year.
James Bull, Tesco’s Head of Packaging, said: “We are working with our suppliers to remove and reduce as much packaging as we can, reuse more, and to make sure everything that’s left is recycled. It’s vital that all products become recyclable as quickly as possible, so we’re delighted that Ribena are redesigning the packaging on sale in our stores and cutting down on hard to recycle plastics.”
