A Symbol of Ocean Waste Gets a Makeover
For decades, plastic six-pack rings have been one of the most notorious symbols of ocean pollution. Images of turtles and seabirds trapped in the loops turned them into icons of waste.
But a quiet revolution is underway. Companies are now producing edible six-pack rings made from barley and wheat remnants — byproducts of brewing. These rings not only replace plastic but also close a waste loop, turning scraps into solutions.
Why Plastic Six-Pack Rings Are a Problem
A History of Harm
Plastic six-pack rings were introduced in the 1960s. Within a decade, they were washing up on beaches and turning up in wildlife stomachs. Animals often mistake them for food or get strangled in the loops.
Millions in Circulation
Billions of rings are produced each year, most used for minutes before disposal. Because they’re thin and lightweight, they easily blow into waterways.
Recycling Doesn’t Solve It
They are rarely recycled due to contamination and small size. Most end up in landfills or oceans, where they take centuries to degrade into microplastics.
The Innovation: Edible, Compostable Rings
Made from Brewery Waste
Companies like Saltwater Brewery in Florida pioneered six-pack rings made from barley and wheat byproducts left over after brewing beer. Instead of discarding this grain, they press it into durable rings that are:
- Edible for wildlife if they end up in the ocean.
- Compostable in soil and industrial facilities.
- Biodegradable in weeks or months, not centuries.
Safe by Design
Unlike plastic, these rings pose no entanglement risk — they break down naturally. If eaten, they provide nutrients instead of blockages.
Closing the Loop
By reusing brewery grain, the rings turn what was once waste into a functional packaging material — a clear example of the circular economy in action.
Companies Leading the Way
Saltwater Brewery (Florida, USA)
First to launch edible rings, gaining global attention in 2016. Their pilot project showed that alternatives were possible — and scalable.
E6PR (Eco Six Pack Ring)
A partnership between packaging engineers and breweries, E6PR now supplies edible, compostable rings to breweries worldwide.
Corona (AB InBev)
In 2019, Corona announced global trials of E6PR rings on select products, marking the first major international brand to adopt the technology.
Other Adopters
Craft breweries across the U.S., Mexico, Europe, and Australia are testing and using these rings, proving that alternatives are moving beyond prototypes.
The Impact: Cutting Plastic Waste
Millions of Rings Diverted
Each six-pack using edible rings prevents another set of plastic loops from entering circulation. If scaled, adoption could prevent billions of plastic rings from reaching landfills or oceans annually.
Wildlife Protection
Every edible ring removes a risk of entanglement or ingestion for marine animals, seabirds, and land wildlife.
Reduced Fossil Fuel Demand
By using agricultural byproducts instead of petroleum-based plastics, these rings cut dependence on fossil fuels.
Barriers to Adoption
Cost
Edible rings are currently more expensive than conventional plastic rings, though costs fall as adoption scales.
Supply Chains
Switching packaging requires new equipment and processes — a hurdle for large beverage companies tied to existing systems.
Consumer Awareness
Many drinkers don’t know edible rings exist, making it harder for small breweries to justify the extra cost without strong marketing.
Why This Matters: Beyond Straws and Bags
Plastic straws and bags get most of the attention, but packaging like six-pack rings is equally harmful. Every overlooked single-use item matters. Edible rings highlight how innovation can turn a pollutant into a positive.
Alternatives Beyond Edible Rings
Cardboard Carriers
Some breweries are switching to recyclable cardboard sleeves for cans. While not edible, they’re more sustainable than plastic.
Plant-Based Plastics
Bioplastics from corn, sugarcane, or algae are also emerging — though they carry their own environmental trade-offs.
FAQs
Are edible six-pack rings safe for humans?
Yes, they’re technically edible, but they’re designed for wildlife. They’re not intended as snacks.
How long do they take to break down?
Edible rings biodegrade in weeks or months, depending on conditions, compared to centuries for plastic rings.
Why aren’t all companies using them yet?
Cost and infrastructure are the main barriers. As production scales, edible rings will become more competitive with plastic.
Final Thoughts
Plastic six-pack rings became infamous for killing turtles and birds. Edible rings flip that story: they not only eliminate harm but offer a benefit if consumed by animals.
This is what innovation in the circular economy looks like — taking a symbol of waste and remaking it into a symbol of responsibility.
When your next six-pack comes wrapped in barley and wheat, you’re not just drinking beer. You’re drinking to a cleaner, safer planet.
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