Ska Brewing automates paperboard-based multipack application

Ska Brewing has never been keen on plastic packaging, but recently identified an alternative that supports its sustainability goals, installing CanCollar Corsair provided by WestRock. WestRock is a global paper and packaging leader dedicated to sustainability, and its portfolio includes solutions for craft and artisanal beverage producers.

The CanCollar Corsair machine automatically applies various CanCollar paperboard-based multipack formats to 24-pack trays of product, which gives Ska the ability to package all of its canned brand offerings — including four-packs and six-packs — using a solution that reduces plastics consumption by up to 95 percent when compared to alternative plastic multipack options.

“The CanCollar, which promotes circularity, will immediately reduce the amount of plastic Ska contributes to the environment by approximately four tons per year,” says Ska Brewing COO Steve Breezley. “This contributes to a reduction in overall waste and the carbon footprint associated with the shipping and storage of our products. The innovation, ethos and ethics behind this solution are what we’re all about.”

Ska is the first craft brewery in North America to implement this automation solution, which will enable the company’s transition from plastic rings to a fiber-based solution for its multipack product wraps.

“We saw the opportunity to implement this fiber-based CanCollar and we’re jumping on it. We hope it will become the industry standard moving forward,” says Co-Founder and CEO Dave Thibodeau.

Other great Ska Brewing environmental initiatives over the years include the switch to aluminum cans over bottles, the recycling of bowling alley lanes and old denim in the tasting room design, the reduction of water consumption in the brewhouse and many other initiatives to reduce waste.

Beer lovers can look for all of Ska’s canned brand offerings to sport recyclable fiber collars applied by the CanCollar Corsair on shelves starting in April.