Solution for other countries unclear
Capri-Sonne is bringing back the plastic straw – in Switzerland
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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 taking a U-turn – initially only at home. The company also wants to find a solution for the EU.
In Switzerland, Capri Sun fans 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 tubes with a plastic version. The return is initially only planned in Switzerland, the home of the Capri Sun, 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 disposable plastic products have been banned. In many cases, cardboard and paper are used instead, although these are found to be 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 said to be more stable. As the industry magazine “Neue Verpackung” reported, the straw is said to have a 36 percent higher bending strength and has also been significantly improved in terms of “vertical compressive strength”. The result was apparently not convincing: “We are working towards using a recyclable plastic tube again, at least in Switzerland, where, unlike the EU, the ban does not apply,” said Capri Sun boss Roland Weening.
Accordingly, the sales figures did not develop 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 straws in the EU in the long term. According to the Swiss “Sonntagszeitung”, company boss Weening is hoping for an exemption. “The plastic tube ban is well-intentioned, but in our case it makes no sense at all,” says the manager.
27,000 tons of garbage
It remains to be seen 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, according to “Neue Verpackung”, the well-known aluminum bag consists of a mixture of PE, PET and aluminum and is virtually impossible to recycle. According to German Environmental Aid (DUH), only Capri-Sun is responsible for 27,000 tons of disposable waste per year.
Capri-Sun sells six billion of the well-known drinking bags every year, primarily in Germany and the USA. The company has been presenting itself to its customers in a completely new look for a few months now: particularly big fans can buy almost three-liter canisters that contain almost 32 Capri Suns.
