K3® – The Smart and Sustainable Packaging Solution

K3® is a hybrid packaging solution that combines design flexibility and cost efficiency with sustainability – a great match for brands looking to future-proof their packaging. Greiner Packaging further uses cardboard-plastic combinations to save on material usage: the cardboard wrap sturdies even particularly thin plastic packaging. 


Backed by over 60 years of industry expertise, we offer innovative premium packaging that balances performance and environmental responsibility. K3® supports businesses with sustainability goals and plastic reduction, while delivering a distinctive shelf presence.

Check out our K3® products

Cup
K3-I Inside stacking / Thermoforming inline (Ext+TF) / PP - Polypropylene
95 mm Diameter / 400 ml Filling volume
Details

Cup
K3-I Inside stacking / Thermoforming inline (Ext+TF) / PP - Polypropylene
95 mm Diameter / 150 ml Filling volume
Details

Cup
K3-H Hollow bottom / Thermoforming inline (Ext+TF) / PP - Polypropylene
95 mm Diameter / 400 ml Filling volume
Details
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How It Works: Cardboard Plastic Wrapping Made from Sustainable Materials

K3® combines an unprinted plastic  cup with a cardboard wrap – both components are 100% recyclable when separated by the consumer. If necessary, the wrap can be made from recycled cardboard , further reducing environmental impact. 
As soon as they are approved for food applications, Greiner Packaging will use r-PET (recycled PET) or r-PP for its packaging. These materials help close the loop on plastics without compromising safety.

Additionally, K3® uses:

  • 32.7% less plastic,
  • incorporates up to 80% recycled cardboard,
  • and achieves a 17% lower carbon footprint compared to conventional full-plastic packaging. 

(reference value: cup – 95 mm diameter, 500 ml filling volume, direct printed, thermoformed).

When taking the entire life cycle of packaging into consideration, these aspects benefit both the economic as well as the sustainability goals of modern businesses.

 

 Digital Watermarks

While consumer separation is ideal, we know it's not always guaranteed. That’s why we integrate Digital Watermarks to support next-generation waste sorting systems. These codes ensure that the individual cup components are correctly recognized in the waste sorting system and assigned to the respective material stream. 

K3®: The Advantages at One Glance

K3® delivers environmental benefits without compromising performance or cost-efficiency — making it a smart choice for brands, retailers, and converters alike. Its lightweight design furthers sustainability but also reduces operational costs across the supply chains. Further benefits for businesses include:

The cardboard wrap reinforces the plastic cup, allowing for particularly thin walls without sacrificing stability.

Using less plastic to produce a K3® cup also significantly reduces the CO2 emissions associated with the cups.

If consumers can quickly separate the cardboard and plastic, they’ll favor the product even more. Greiner’s patented tear-off system streamlines the process and supports clean recycling streams. The unprinted cup produces top-quality recycled material.

The cardboard wrap can be made from up to 100% recycled material. The plastic cup too can contain recycled material – even as much as 100% r-PET.

The cardboard wrap can be printed on both sides and custom-finished for maximum visual appeal.
Die-cut windows allow for product visibility while enhancing the unboxing experience.

K3® in Comparison to Other Packaging Solutions

In terms of an improved environmental profile as well as high performance, K3® surpasses full-plastic packaging. The same can be said for its options in brand visibility.
In comparison, traditional plastic packaging still struggles with recyclability and contributes to high CO₂ emissions. K3®, on the other hand, is made for circularity and resource efficiency, leading to:

  • reduce both water and energy consumption during production
  • a more effective recovery of materials post-use

Through the use of recycled PET (r-PET) or recycled polyolefins PP (r-PP), we effectively close the loop — all while maintaining compliance with food safety standards.
The result: a packaging solution that checks every box — sustainability, efficiency, and shelf impact — and positions your brand as a leader in responsible innovation.

What our customers say

Nounós Creamery Improves Sales with K3® Cup

When Nounós Creamery – known for its quality Greek yogurt and commitment to sustainability – wanted to add a 16oz offering to their product portfolio, they turned to Greiner Packaging’s K3® Cup. Since the launch, Nounos sales grew over 150% with increased margins, showing a strong consumer preference for the new packaging.

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Yaza Labneh Trusts Greiner’s K3® Cup

The innovative design and shape of the K3® offer a perfect fit for Yaza Labneh. The packaging's form factor enhances the aesthetic appeal on the shelf and provides functional benefits, ensuring ease of handling and portion control for consumers. The cardboard wrap provides stability, allowing Greiner to use less plastic in production while still maintaining the same strength and durability needed for nationwide distribution. 

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Start Your Sustainable Journey with K3® and Greiner Packaging

K3® adds a new approach to sustainable packaging, tailored to meet your brand’s goals and regulatory requirements. As eco-conscious solutions are prioritized more with every year, K3® delivers with a balance of design flexibility, performance, and environmental impact.

Whether you’re looking to enhance brand perception, streamline compliance, or reduce emissions: Greiner Packaging delivers a future-ready solution that performs on every level.

Show the World Your Good Side with K3® packaging