In the US, about 127 billion plastic bottles are bought every year. Yet one Midwestern soft drink company is holding on to the old-school way of selling soda in returnable glass bottles.
A Tradition Almost Lost
Until the 1960s, most soda bottles in the US were designed to be returned. Customers paid a deposit for sturdy glass bottles, which they returned to stores for a refund. The bottles were then washed and refilled repeatedly. The rise of plastic bottles phased out this system, but Twig’s Beverage, a family-owned company in Shawano County, Wisconsin, has kept it alive.
Customers pay a $20 deposit for a case of 24 bottles. They can even visit Twig’s factory in Shawano to refill bottles, some of which are over 60 years old.
Nostalgia and Community
Ben Hartwig, Twig’s vice-president, says families have been bringing back the same bottles for generations. “Cases get passed down, and the next family member brings them in,” he says. “Long-time customers love the nostalgic feel and treat these cases like gold.” Some 16oz bottles still date back to the 1960s and 70s, and they continue to go through Twig’s washing process today.
Sun Drop and Real Sugar
Established in 1951 by Floyd Hartwig, Twig’s signature soda is Sun Drop, a citrus-flavored drink first developed in Missouri in the 1940s. Although US drinks giant Keurig Dr Pepper owns the brand, Twig’s makes Sun Drop under license for sale in its Wisconsin territory. It is the last Sun Drop producer to use returnable glass bottles instead of plastic and one of the few still using real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.
Twig’s also produces its own line of fruit sodas, including root beer, black cherry, orange, and lime. While Sun Drop can only be sold in Wisconsin, Twig’s is expanding its own soda brand across the Midwest. These new bottles will not be returnable due to distance, so customers outside the state are encouraged to recycle them.
Family Business and Local Culture
Twig’s story began when Floyd Hartwig, recovering from wounds in the Korean War, conceived the soda business idea. Post-World War Two economic growth and a rise in take-home drinks helped the business flourish.
In 1986, Floyd’s son Dan took over to keep the company in the family. Today, Ben Hartwig runs Twig’s with his wife Annelies and brothers Jake and Luke. The company employs 20 people and earns around $6.5 million annually.
Sun Drop Dayz, a local fundraiser with live music and activities, has been celebrated every June since 2017. Visitors can also tour Twig’s museum to see the soda-making process firsthand.
Looking Ahead
Twig’s continues to honor its tradition of returnable glass bottles while expanding its own soda brand in the Midwest. With a focus on nostalgia, real sugar, and community, the company blends heritage with growth.
