ALPLA and CCL Label have developed a stackable, recyclable PET beverage can with a full-body shrink sleeve – designed to be a ‘quickly scalable’ alternative to aluminium cans.
The 0.33L ‘bottle in can’ format is intended to combine the aesthetics of metal with the cost-efficiency, properties and recyclability of PET. It can reportedly be integrated into existing PET filling lines.
In line with the EU’s market ban on BPA in food-contact materials, the packaging avoids epoxy coatings containing the chemical compound.
The can’s tethered cap is set to improve its resealability and protect the beverage against contaminants and insects. This is anticipated to reduce the cleaning required to recycle the pack in home collection and deposit return systems.
Customers can also opt to manufacture their beverage can from rPET, which is expected to unlock additional CO2 savings and slot the container into an existing ‘bottle-to-bottle’ cycle.
Meanwhile, CCL Label’s EcoFloat shrink sleeve is made from low-density polyolefin and separates from the PET flakes during the recycling process. The sleeve is only applied after the bottle is filled, which is said to offer more flexible production and design.
ALPLA notes that PET preforms and sleeves require ‘significantly less’ storage and transport capacity than prefabricated empty cans.
Additionally, the pack’s shrink sleeve, silver metallic effect, and mirror finish unlock 360° decoration for visual appeal.
ALPLA and CCL Label describe the pack as a ‘safe, cost-efficient and future-proof’ solution for beverage manufacturers.
“A beverage can may just as well be made of plastic,” says Daniel Lehner, global sales director Food & Beverage at ALPLA. “Our PET can relies on the well-known material properties of PET, which have proven themselves on the market, strengthens the supply chain and can highlight special products as a novelty.
“We stand for safe and modern packaging solutions worldwide. The PET can combines these features and enables our customers to have a seamless and long-term supply.”
In other news, OMG Bubble Tea has adopted Greiner Packaging’s K3 cups for its ready-to-drink, on-the-go beverages. The cup itself is made from polypropylene and EVOH, with Greiner’s New Tear Tab helping consumers separate the cardboard wrap after use.
Small-batch cocktail brand Kocktail has unveiled Kocktail Glass – a ready-to-drink format designed to be kept and reused. The pack is reportedly exempt from the UK’s upcoming Deposit Return Scheme for single-use plastic bottles and cans, which is set to launch on the 1st of October 2027.
Prism eLogistics has also developed a fully recyclable sleeve for kefir brand Bio&Me using EcoFloat shrink sleeving. The sleeve is specifically engineered to improve the sink/float separation process and be recycled through established PP recycling streams.
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:
The ultimate guide to packaging innovation in 2026
Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation: what to know in 2026
Everything you need to know about global packaging sustainability regulation
No comments yet