This month, a new plastic replacement solution will be delivered to supermarkets in Austria. The packaging, known as ‘DS Smith Lift Up,’ is a 100% recyclable corrugated handle with a soft grip that makes it easy for consumers to carry products while ensuring their sustainability. Specifically designed for PET bottles consumed at home, this innovative packaging solution has the potential to reduce 200 tonnes of plastic annually for Coca-Cola HBC Austria.
Developed in partnership with packaging machine manufacturer Krones, DS Smith Lift Up can be adapted to accommodate different bottle sizes. According to Stefano Rossi, CEO of DS Smith’s packaging solutions division, the concept behind this packaging solution was driven by the company’s Circular Design Metrics approach, aiming to minimize material usage, lessen environmental impact, and create an appealing in-store appearance.
For Coca Cola HBC Austria, this marks the first-ever packaging solution of its kind for 1.5 litre multipacks of Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Sprite. Marcel Martin, the company’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, attributes this milestone to an entrepreneurial mindset, a strong belief in collaboration with trusted partners, and their commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
