Capri-Sun boss criticizes own straw petition as poorly done

Despite his self-critical words, Wild is sticking to the thrust of the argument. "Aber in der Sache macht die Forderung von Papier-Trinkhalmen absolut keinen Sinn", he said. The background is the European Union (EU) regulation on single-use plastic products, in force since 2021, which forced Capri-Sun to switch to paper straws for its classic drink pouch.

The company's arguments

According to its own statements, the company has been fighting since 2024 for a return to the plastic straw and is waiting for a corresponding exemption from the EU. The plan is for a straw made from the same plastic as the drink pouch itself, polypropylene. This would allow the pouch to once again be fully recycled together with the straw. "Der Capri-Sun-Trinkpack ist 100-prozentig recycelbar", said Wild.

A key argument from the company: "90 Prozent der Papierhalme bleiben in der Tüte drin, wenn sie leer getrunken ist." If the straw remains in the pouch, the whole thing can be fed into the recycling loop. According to its own statements, Capri-Sun has already revised the paper straw several times in response to consumer criticism.

Consumers had complained that the paper straw is harder to insert, becomes soggy over time, and imparts a paper taste when drinking. This criticism is the trigger and driving force behind the ongoing debate about a return to the plastic version.

Criticism from environmental activists

Environmental and consumer advocates, however, view the plan critically. Viola Wohlgemuth of Deutsche Umwelthilfe said: "Der anhaltende Kampf von Capri Sun für Einweg-Plastikstrohhalme ist aus Umweltsicht nicht nachvollziehbar und ein Armutszeugnis." The small drink pouches are designed primarily for on-the-go consumption and accordingly often end up in the environment.

The EU ban on single-use plastic products does not apply in Switzerland, where Capri Sun Group Holding AG has its headquarters. For the European market, which is served via the production site in Baden-Württemberg, however, the regulation is binding.

Outcome remains open

With the public self-criticism of the petition, the company is — according to its own statements — trying to draw attention back to the actual issue: what it sees as the better recyclability of the packaging. Whether the EU will approve a return to the plastic straw remains open.

The debate highlights the conflict of objectives between consumer friendliness, recyclability, and environmental protection that manufacturers of single-use packaging have increasingly had to contend with since the EU regulation came into force. With its case, Capri-Sun has become a symbol of this conflict.