Since 1994, the EPA has mandated that all beverage can ring carriers sold in the U.S. must be degradable. Many manufacturers meet this standard by making their rings photodegradable, which means they break down in light. But there is still concern about the longevity of the rings and their danger to marine and other wildlife.
MillerCoors has recently partnered with Footprint, an environmentally-friendly manufacture of recyclable material to develop rings made out of compostable material. It’s much sturdier and better for the environment. Will your cans someday be made out of a non-plastic material?