Capri Sonne's Plastic Comeback Sparks Debate on Sustainability

Capri Sonne's Return to Plastic Straws

Capri Sonne, widely regarded as a child’s favorite drink, is set to reintroduce plastic straws in Switzerland. Roland Weening, CEO of the company based in Zug, confirmed in a recent interview that the popular beverage will soon be sold with a plastic straw instead of the current paper option.

Consumer Preferences vs. Sustainability

Weening expressed that the switch to paper straws, made out of environmental concerns, has been frustrating for both customers and the company. Customers have shown a preference for the plastic options, especially with competing brands like Migros and Coop selling similar products with plastic help.

Challenges in the EU Market

While Capri Sonne is pursuing the plastic option in Switzerland, it faces challenges in the EU, where plastic straws have become heavily regulated. Weening aims for exemptions to facilitate this transition.

The Sugar Controversy

Alongside sustainability issues, Capri Sonne has also faced criticism regarding its sugar content. The company has acknowledged the concerns, reducing sugar levels from twelve grams to between 4.4 and 8.1 grams per 100 milliliters across various markets, maintaining compliance with local regulations.

For children leading active lifestyles, Weening calms concerns about sugar intake, suggesting that moderation is key, while also highlighting that other foods often have high sugar content.