The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Labatt Breweries of Canada, a subsidiary of AB InBev, is investing CAD $10.5 million (approx. $7.65 million) in its St John's, Newfoundland, brewery. The funding will be used to install a new packaging system that introduces sustainable paperboard packaging, replacing the current plastic rings used for bundling multi-packs of beer. Bottles will be offered in six, 12 and 24 packs, while cans will be available in eight, 12, and 24 packs. Plastic rings may still be present in the market for the next few weeks until the existing stock is depleted. Wade Keller, director of corporate affairs of Labatt's Atlantic Breweries, said: "This investment in Newfoundland and Labrador is a testament of Labatt's commitment to a sustainable future, our brewery, our employees and our community. As we continue our journey towards the elimination of single-use plastic in our operations, this investment in paperboard packaging in our operations is proof of that." The switch to paperboard packaging will eliminate 24,000 kilograms of plastic from landfills annually. Charles Bown, CEO of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board, said: "Labatt has taken a major step forward in its sustainability journey. The brewery's latest investment demonstrates a strong commitment to reducing its ecological footprint, increasing the recyclability of its products, and making a positive impact on the local community and environment." The investment is expected to reduce Labatt's consumption of single-use and recyclable plastics by a total of 242,000 kilograms by 2024. The news comes just days after Labatt announced plans to expand its production capability at its London, Ontario, plant by investing CAD 26.6 million (approx. $19.4 million) into the brewery.