The new recyclable, plastic free packaging from Pacific Western Brewing

By Tommy Osborne

Plastic Ban

Sale of six-pack plastic rings banned

Jun 25, 2024 | 3:25 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The federal government’s continued rollout of banning single use plastics has now hit breweries, as the sale of six-pack plastic ring carriers has been banned as of June 20, 2024.

“Although it’s a shift and there’s some costs with that, it’s a great thing to do. It’s going to be better for the environment, and, frankly, I think our new packaging looks fantastic. So all in all, I’d say it’s a win,” said Pacific Western Brewing’s (PWB) Manager, Northern B.C., Kyle Sampson.

Another look at the new recyclable cardboard packaging

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This move has been years in the making, as the federal government has been banning other single use plastics like cutlery, plastic bags, and more, as early as 2022. The plastic rings themselves saw a ban of the manufacture and import of them in 2023. Because of this, Sampson says PWB had the time to properly plan such a large scale move, and adds Plant Manager Cindy Hartford was able to successfully lead the planning of managing the logistics, production, and packaging.

“We have product out there in hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of stores across British Columbia, Alberta, and that packaged product is in that plastic ring type packaging. So to transition from that into a new paper based product, just takes some time into some logistics and planning to make sure we can roll that out efficiently and on time,” he said.

Local environmental groups like the Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society (REAPS) are applauding the ban of the plastic rings, although REAPS Executive Director Terri McClymont says the ban did come a bit late. Regardless, she says any steps taken to protect the environment are definitely needed and nice to see.

“The six pack ring, it takes 450 years to break down, but it’s still present. And if we start looking at all the research that’s being done now, we’re taking up microplastics in our agricultural products, in our fish products and our meat products. It’s there. It’s never going to go away,” McClymont said when discussing the danger of these plastic rings.

“All the changes that we do for the environment, we do it because we care for the environment. We only have one environment, so it’s our responsibility to look after it,” she continued.

While moving away from plastic rings is more costly for manufacturers, both McClymont and Sampson feel optimistic that this ban is the right move.

“As consumers, we have to advocate for this. We have to make changes, whether it’s home, work or play, to ensure that we have an environment that we can be proud of,” McClymont said.

“With the environmental impacts being positive, and the packaging looking great. I think, overall, we’re still gonna offer a great product for a value price, and folks are going to enjoy those products,” Sampson said.

While the sale of plastic rings was banned on June 20, 2024, the manufacture, import, and sale for export of these rings won’t be prohibited until December 20, 2025.

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