It's the cocktail taking young drinkers by storm - but the packaging is 'unrecyclable'
Popular pre-mixed cocktail brand BuzzBallz is facing criticism after it was revealed that its packaging is not recyclable in the UK, despite previous claims on its website. Environmental experts and consumers have accused the company of greenwashing, leading the brand to delete misleading FAQ content.
Why it matters
This case underscores the growing consumer demand for corporate transparency regarding sustainability and the regulatory challenges of managing non-recyclable consumer goods.
Image caption, Georgia enjoyed a Lotta Colada on her way to watch Harry Styles
Cleaning up after pre-drinks, Aédén Rooney puts his empty BuzzBallz in the recycling.
"It's plastic and metal, so I'd just assume it's recyclable," he said.
The company behind the bright, pre-mixed cocktails that have taken Gen Z by storm said they were recyclable on its website, but experts say this is not true.
BuzzBallz cannot be recycled as the PET plastic ball cannot be separated from the aluminium lid, global environmental action body WRAP said.
"It's greenwashing. I'm shocked," Aédén said.
BuzzBallz blamed a website error for claiming they were recyclable via Terracycle, a US-only scheme, but did not comment on its now-deleted FAQ that said they were recyclable where UK councils allow.
Image source, Aédén Rooney Image caption, Aédén Rooney said he drinks about three BuzzBallz a week during term time
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