Packaging and Recycling
Recycling has always been in our company’s DNA. In 1959, Bill Coors, who at the time was president of Adolph Coors Company, pioneered the recyclable aluminum can. At the time, beer was packaged in tin containers that not only gave beer an aftertaste, but also resulted in wasted packaging. Aluminum allowed the company to deliver fresher-tasting beer to consumers, while providing a container that is 100 percent recyclable.
In the same spirit as Bill Coors, today we work with our suppliers to develop new ways to lighten materials and eliminate unnecessary packaging in our beverage containers, in our operations, at retail and throughout our supply chain. We also encourage our beer drinkers to recycle their cans and bottles wherever possible.
Pledge to Conserve
I pledge to look at my own personal water use and determine where I can conserve water.
PLEDGE TO CONSERVE
Thanks for taking the pledge to conserve. Together, we can make a difference.
Packaging Performance
Packaging weight can be affected by light-weighting initiatives, as well as changes in product mix (for example, bottles are heavier than cans).
Overall, we reduced packaging by more than 7,500 tons of our aluminum and glass in 2015 and reduced GHG emissions from packaging by 17 percent over 2014. The projects we will be working on in 2016 include light-weighting our 12-ounce industry-standard can, which we expect to lead to a 10-percent weight reduction across our entire portfolio of brands.
Coors Light Packaging
In 2015, we completed the conversion of our Coors Light aluminum can packaging to a smaller end design, which reduces the can’s weight by 13 percent. The new can ends are approximately one-eighth of an inch smaller in diameter. This smaller size is now the standard can end across our portfolio of brands. All of our 8-, 10-, 12- and 16-ounce cans have been converted, reducing our use of aluminum by 4.8 million pounds and reducing GHG emissions by more than 24,700 tons annually.
Coors Light Aluminum Tap Handles
In July 2015, we launched the rebranded Coors Light tap handles, which are at least 95 percent recycled aluminum. In the second half of the year, over 80,000 handles were ordered by MillerCoors field and distributor partners. The initiative piqued the curiosity of our bar owners and bartenders and the reception of the handles has exceeded production expectations.
