Capri-Sun sucked into a shambles by eco-friendly paper straws

Environmentally friendly paper straws have been criticised by customers for still being wrapped in plastic packaging and failing to pierce the juice carton.

Capri-Sun, the children’s juice drink giant, has brought in a 100 per cent recyclable straw as part of an eco-drive.

But customers have been left irritated by the move after claiming the straw is not strong enough to pierce to drink pouch, unlike the previous plastic one. They also criticised the company for the green straws as they still come in a plastic wrapper.

George Lineker, the son of Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, was among those to speak of their frustration.

"Capri-Sun changing their straws to paper straws is one of the biggest shambles of all time,” he tweeted. "You can't pierce the drink with a paper straw, just bend it in half. Ridiculous."

Another disgruntled customer Kim Caton said: "I literally had this problem yesterday. Straw bent in half and had to squeeze into my mouth."

Stephen Taylor added: "The fact it's wrapped in a plastic wrapper, completely defeats the purpose."

Professor David Bailey, professor of business economics at the Birmingham Business School, said Capri-Sun must be “given credit” for the move but added “they’ve not gone the whole distance” by failing to remove the plastic wrapper.

“There is a danger that companies are engaging in green washing and that's going to back fire for them,” he said. He added that companies need to be “communicating a clear message” when it comes to environmental campaigns.

Capri-Sun insists the straws were designed to piece the foil seal. A spokesperson told The Telegraph they are obliged to keep the plastic wrapping as part of UK food and drink hygiene regulations.

Capri-Sun insists the straws were designed to piece the foil seal. A spokesperson told The Telegraph they are obliged to keep the plastic wrapping as part of UK food and drink hygiene regulations.

A Capri-Sun spokesman said: “Our paper straws, which were introduced across our iconic pouches in Spring 2021 are a further step on our sustainability journey. 

"Our next step is to implement a fully-recyclable pouch latest by 2025, including the paper straw cover. Our paper straw has been a complex development to make sure it has the same usage qualities for piercing the pouch and drinking as the plastic straw."

They added: "We are aware that a small number of consumers have struggled with using their paper straw. We have shared usage instructions on pack, and communicated on social media and with consumers directly.

"To ensure our product meets the correct hygiene standards required by UK regulation, the paper straw requires protective wrapping.”

McDonald's introduced paper straws two years ago but they were criticised for going soggy in drinks.

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