How Cayman Islands Brewery Succeeds with Earthrings in Humid Conditions
The Cayman Islands boast about stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a tropical climate. Balmy temperatures, frequent rainfall, and 75-85% humidity pose serious challenges for beverage producers. Reliable packaging (especially multi-pack carriers) must endure storage, ocean transport, distribution, and retail display without failing.
When Cayman Islands Brewery (Caybrew), the maker of the islands’ premium beer, decided to remove plastic from their canned packaging, they needed something that could handle the tough climate. They discovered and switched to Earthrings and in October 2024, and became the first large producer in the Cayman Islands to go completely plastic-free by using Earthrings biodegradable can rings for all their cans. More than a year later, the change has held up well.
Why Humidity Was the Deciding Factor
Traditional plastic six-pack rings work in many places, but Caybrew wanted something better. Since most waste in the islands ends up in local landfills and recycling options are limited, they didn’t want to solve one problem by creating another. They looked for packaging that is:
100% plastic-free
Biodegradable and home compostable
Curbside recyclable
Reliably strong in high-humidity tropical conditions
Earthrings met the challenge. The rings are made from several layers of strong fiber cardboard and coated with a food-safe, fully biodegradable, moisture-resistant finish. This design keeps them sturdy even after long exposure to humid air, temperature changes, or damp storage, which are common in the Caribbean. Before making the switch, Caybrew tested the rings thoroughly to make sure they worked from the factory to the customer. The results showed that Earthrings keep a strong grip and hold their shape at every step:
Humid warehouse storage
Sea freight in tropical conditions
Retail coolers and shelves in 80%+ humidity
There is no slippage, no tearing, and no complaints. The 6-packs stay secure, look good, and work well.
Switching to Earthrings is more than just a technical fix; it sends a strong message about your brand. When customers pick up a Caybrew 6-pack, they see packaging that breaks down naturally instead of lasting for centuries in landfills or the ocean. That choice says clearly: “We care. We’re taking real steps to protect our beautiful island for future generations.” Caybrew already uses solar power, runs a bottle return program, and supports shark conservation through White Tip Lager sales. Adding plastic-free, compostable rings made their commitment to sustainability even stronger and connected with eco-conscious drinkers in the Cayman Islands and beyond.
Performance and Price: Earthrings offer clear advantages in humid conditions:
Competitive pricing, often costing less than traditional plastic rings or other plastic-free options
Easy to use with the CB-350 applicator, which Caybrew installed without issues. The machine was shipped straight to the islands.
Better look and feel, with a clean, modern design that stands out on the shelf
The Caybrew story proves that Earthrings work in one of the toughest places: a Caribbean island with constant humidity and limited recycling. See why so many brands are choosing Earthrings biodegradable can carriers for better sustainability and performance.
