Corona announced that it will pilot plastic-free six-pack rings in select markets as part of the brand’s commitment with Parley for the Oceans to lead the industry with eco-friendly packaging. The partnership began with a commitment to protect 100 islands by 2020 and expands to include the pursuit of scalable innovation that can change the status quo. Roughly 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year and there is a need to confront the issue on multiple fronts, according to Corona, which is why the company has adopted Parley’s A.I.R. strategy to not only “avoid” and “intercept” plastic as much as possible, but also help “redesign” solutions that use the material.

The plastic-free rings being tested are made from plant-based biodegradable fibers, with a mix of by-product waste and compostable materials. The industry standard plastic six-pack rings are reportedly made from a photodegradable form of polyethylene that results in increasingly smaller pieces of plastic if not recycled.

That journey starts in the brand’s homeland of Mexico, where the plastic-free rings will be piloted in Tulum at the beginning of the year.

Parley for the Oceans is the global network where creators, thinkers, and leaders from the creative industries, brands, governments, and environmental groups come together to raise awareness for the beauty and fragility of the oceans and collaborate on projects that can end their destruction. The organization has formed alliances with major corporations including Adidas, Anheuser Busch InBev (Corona), American Express; the United Nations; the Maldives and collaborators spanning the worlds of science, art, fashion, design, entertainment, sports, and space and ocean exploration.