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Capri-Sun has undergone some changes. Many customers want the plastic straw back. This wish could soon become a reality.
Baar (Switzerland) – The Capri Sun has accompanied many people in their childhood. But anyone who has grabbed one of the small orange soda packages in recent years out of nostalgia or for their little ones has likely noticed a change. Not only is the drink now cooly called Capri-Sun in English, but it is also also available as ice Capri-Sun in the supermarket.
Capri-Sun brings back plastic straws © Sven Simon/Imago
After the single-use plastic ban: Capri-Sun with paper straw since 2021
Instead of the thin, orange plastic straws that used to be attached to the packages, paper straws have been used since 2021. In the name of sustainability, the recyclable straw has been introduced throughout Europe. Since July 2021, there has been a single-use plastic ban in the EU, reports the Consumer Center. This includes the production of cutlery, cosmetic cotton swabs, balloon sticks, stirrers, plates, and also drinking straws. Therefore, Capri-Sun also had to adapt.
However, this change was not met with understanding from all customers on Facebook: “The straws are hard to pierce and dissolve in the mouth. It’s definitely not healthy to swallow this. And the entire package remains plastic and continues to litter the streets.” Others agreed: “I recently had one with a paper straw. It doesn’t work and tastes like a newspaper from 1980. Never again Capri-Sun.”
Swiss want plastic straw reintroduced in Capri-Sun
In the summer of 2022, the company revised the straw due to negative feedback. Now it is said to be more resilient and easier to insert. But some customers were still not satisfied. “My straw could only make a dent. Freshly bought and still bad,” wrote a buyer on Instagram. The straw was once again improved in 2024.
However, there should be an end to soggy drinking straws – at least in Switzerland. As several media outlets consistently report, quoting the Sonntagszeitung, Capri-Sun CEO Roland Weening stated that sales figures have indeed declined. For this reason, there are plans to switch to a recyclable plastic tube. “We are working towards using a recyclable plastic straw again, at least in Switzerland, where, unlike the EU, the ban does not apply,” said Weening. “Now just change the name back to Capri-Sun, and everyone will be happy,” commented a customer under the Instagram post about the planned change.
Return of the plastic straw also possible in Germany?
But will the planned change also influence the design in Germany? In an interview with Bild, Weening said that the reintroduction here is significantly more challenging, as the single-use plastic ban applies here. “The plastic straw ban is well-intentioned, but in our case, it makes no sense at all,” said the CEO. For this reason, they are working towards the possibility of using plastic straws in Germany again. However, an exception permit would be necessary.
However, it is still too early to speak of a return, as the Capri-Sun press team stated in response to an inquiry from IPPEN.MEDIA. Alternatives to the paper straw are currently still being examined. “At the beginning of 2024, the 330ml drink pouch was converted to recyclable monomaterial (PP). In the next step, the 200ml drink pouch will also be converted to monomaterial (PP),” said Capri-Sun regarding the history of the packaging.
“For optimal recycling results, the paper straw must be disposed of separately in paper waste. As this is not always practical, we are currently examining whether there is a possibility to use a plastic straw made of PP material, so that both (pouch + straw) can be easily recycled in the same stream.” However, this project will take a little more time. (nr)