The Shout Magazine (New Zealand)

Save the Kea with your 6-pack

Altitude Brewing and PAK’nSAVE Queenstown have launched the first 100% plastic-free, biodegradable, compostable 6-pack rings in New Zealand.

Conceived in 2017 as a way of reducing plastic waste degrading the world’s oceans, the E6PR are made from by-product waste and other compostable materials.

When disposed of in a compostable facility, E6PR will degrade in days, and when left out in open land or a water system, it will degrade in a matter of weeks. The compostable organic materials will also not cause harm to wildlife in case of ingestion.

“Altitude Brewing has always had an interest in reducing waste and supporting wildlife,” says Eddie Gapper, Altitude Brewing Managing Director. “We delayed launching our flagship IPA, Mischievous Kea, as a canned 6-pack until we could find a wildlife-friendly solution.”

According to the Kea Conservation Trust one of the common causes of injuries in the Kea population is ingestion of foreign objects. Including, rubber, string, insulation, and plastic. This can cause an internal blockage resulting in the bird being unable to digest food or sustaining internal damage.

Luke Hearn, PAK’nSAVE Queenstown Store Manager the stores loves to be able to support local suppliers with new products. “Especially when such a large focus has been placed on a sustainable packaging approach to reduce waste,” he says.

For more information, visit www.e6pr.com.