Coca-Cola Germany trials plastic-free multipack design

Coca-Cola Germany has begun testing a new type of multipack that eliminates the need for plastic film. The pilot project, developed in collaboration with bottling partner Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, aims to explore more sustainable secondary packaging options for PET bottles.

The new design replaces conventional shrink wrap with adhesive dots that hold bottles together and a recyclable cardboard handle for carrying. This approach forms part of the company’s ongoing efforts to reduce packaging waste and improve recyclability across its product portfolio.

The trial is being carried out in selected PENNY stores across Germany, where the format is being evaluated for performance, practicality and consumer response. The multipacks feature six 1.25-litre bottles of Coca-Cola Original and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar.

The adhesive allows individual bottles to be gently twisted or pulled apart, while on-pack messaging and in-store displays explain how the new system works. Once used, the cardboard handle can be placed in standard paper recycling, and the bottles can be returned through existing deposit systems as with any other PET container.

This pilot complements Coca-Cola’s wider exploration of alternative secondary packaging formats in Europe, including KeelClip™, LitePac Top and CanCollar®.