Cap-it Packaging used by Pepsi Recognized for Sustainablity

 A jury of industry experts at the 66th annual PPC National Paperboard Packaging Competition chose Cap-it, the eco-friendly paperboard multipack from Graphic Packaging International, Inc., as the paperboard package with the most positive impact on product differentiation, merchandising, and sustainability among the 87 competitive entries.

Cap-it was first used last year as packaging for a six pack of 24oz Pepsi bottles.

“We appreciate the industry’s recognition of the Cap-it concept, which we believe can reposition paperboard as a competitive alternative to plastic rings and shrink film,” said John Best, vice president, Product Development, Graphic Packaging International, Inc.

“Cap-it paperboard multipacks demonstrate that designing for sustainability all along the supply chain can deliver more value compared to conventional plastic choices.”

The Cap-It design was introduced in 2008 as a six-pack carrier for 24oz. Pepsi beverage products bottled by Alabama-based Buffalo Rock.

The Cap-it multipack provides structural integrity, billboard and portability while out-performing plastic solutions like rings and shrink film in sustainability and supply chain economics including distribution and warehousing.

The minimal Cap-it design uses less fiber – a renewable and recyclable natural material compared to petroleum-based plastic -- and allows consumers to view the bottled beverages for quality assurance. The billboard is adequately sized for branding and promotional graphics, backside printing, product traceability codes and onserts. The short and long sides of the billboard also adapt more easily to retail shelf space limitations and provide visibly better differentiation than shrink film when multiple brands are displayed side-by-side in small spaces.

Cap-it system economics surpass that of plastic rings or shrink film. The multipack requires only die-cutting and can be shipped flat to improve truck load pack-out. Energy consumption for manufacturing and delivering Cap-it multipacks is measurably lower than the energy used for Hicone plastic rings.

Graphic Packaging’s Cap-it multipacks are available for bottles in a range of sizes from 12oz to 32oz. It will be interesting to see which companies start using Cap-it packaging for their 12oz bottle - which are the most popular size for softdrinks among U.S. consumers.