Controversy as Capri Sun seeks reintroduction of plastic straws

Capri Sun Group is urging the European Commission to allow the return of plastic straws for its drink pouches, proposing a fully recyclable, mono-material packaging solution. This request challenges the EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive, which banned single-use plastic straws in July 2021.

The company initially switched to paper straws in 2021, aiming to reduce plastic use by 400 tons annually, and partnered with One Tree Planted to offset its paper consumption. However, Capri Sun now claims that paper straws have not met consumer expectations for functionality and recyclability.

Capri Sun is promoting a Change.org petition titled "Bring Back Recyclable Plastic Straws for Capri-Sun: Make Recycling Easier for Everyone!" to support its case. The company argues that its new mono-material pouches could be fully recycled with plastic straws, unlike the current combination with paper.

Capri Sun also noted recent improvements in the durability of its paper straws but continues to push for a return to plastic, stating that it would enhance usability and recycling convenience.

The petition aims to gather 1 million signatures.