The global beer brand, Corona, announced the launch of a new 100% biodegradable and compostable six-pack made from barley straw in India. Aligning with this year’s World Environment Day theme of ‘Only One Earth’, focusing on “Living sustainably and in Harmony with Nature”.
The Corona six-pack, made of 100% barley straw, is as durable as regular packaging. This eliminates the need for using virgin wood from trees and other resources.
Corona works with Barley farmers in India to buy leftover straw that is often the cause of crop burning, a critical issue in North India, to manufacture these biodegradable-compostable six-packs. By commercialising barley straw, farmers receive an income for crop waste that otherwise has limited marketable benefits. Converting barley straw to packaging uses 1/3rd of water when compared to traditional technologies. This also helps reduce crop burning and prevent approximately 1400 KG CO2 emissions/ton of packaging produced.
The new packaging plans to be distributed to other states in India after it is successfully piloted in Bangalore.