Solution for other countries unclear
Capri-Sonne brings back the plastic straw – in Switzerland
29.08.2024, 11:37 a.m.
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The EU wants to reduce disposable waste, which is why plastic straws have been banned since 2021. But the paper replacement annoys many customers, which is why Capri-Sonne is apparently daring to do a U-turn – for now only at home. But the company also wants to find a solution for the EU.
In Switzerland, fans of Capri-Sun may soon be able to use a plastic straw to drink again. As the Swiss “Sonntagszeitung” reports, Capri-Sun, as the sugary fruit drink is officially called in Germany, is considering replacing the paper straws with a plastic version. The return is therefore only planned for Switzerland, the home of Capri-Sun, for the time being, because the country is not part of the EU.
Capri-Sun AG is based in Zug, Switzerland. In July 2021, a ban on single-use plastic was introduced across the EU to protect the environment. Since then, cutlery, straws, plates and other single-use plastic products have been banned. In many cases, cardboard and paper are used instead, although these are perceived as annoying, especially when it comes to drinking straws.
“Makes no sense at all”
A few months ago, Capri-Sun introduced an improved straw that is supposed to be more stable. As the industry magazine “Neue Verpackung” reportedthe straw is said to have a 36 percent higher bending strength and also to have been significantly improved in terms of “vertical compressive strength”. The result was evidently not convincing: “We are working towards using a recyclable plastic tube again, at least in Switzerland, where, unlike in the EU, the ban does not apply,” said Capri Sun boss Roland Weening.
Accordingly, sales figures have not developed as hoped. However, it is unclear whether this is related to the paper straws or whether previous customers are switching to healthier alternatives.
In any case, Capri-Sun wants to replace paper straws with plastic ones in the EU in the long term. According to the Swiss “Sonntagszeitung”, company boss Weening is hoping for an exemption. “The plastic straw ban is well-intentioned, but in our case it makes no sense at all,” says the manager.
27,000 tons of garbage
It is unclear whether these efforts will be successful. In fact, the EU’s recycling requirements are currently being tightened in order to reduce the amount of waste. From 2030, all packaging must be reusable. This is also a problem for Capri-Sun, because the well-known aluminum bag is made from a mixture of PE, PET and aluminum, according to “Neue Verpackung” and is almost impossible to recycle. According to the German Environmental Aid (DUH), only Capri-Sun is suitable for 27,000 tons of disposable waste per year.
Capri-Sun sells six billion of the well-known drinking bags every year, according to the information, mainly in Germany and the USA. There, the company has been presenting itself to its customers in a completely new guise for several months: particularly big fans can almost three liter large Buy canisters that contain almost 32 Capri Suns.