In an era dominated by plastic, one family-owned soda company in the Midwest is holding fast to a bygone practice—bottling beverages in returnable glass containers. This commitment to tradition not only preserves the environment but also fosters a sense of nostalgia among its loyal customers.

**The Decline of Returnable Bottles**

Decades ago, the American soda landscape was vastly different. Until the 1960s, glass bottles were the norm, designed to be returned, washed, and reused. Customers paid a deposit for these sturdy containers, receiving their money back when they returned the bottles. However, the advent of plastic packaging led to the decline of this eco-friendly system.

**Twig’s Beverage: A Heritage of Tradition**

Amidst this shift, Twig’s Beverage, based in Shawano County, Wisconsin, chose to preserve this tradition. Customers in the area can still pay a $20 deposit for a case of 24 bottles and have them refilled directly at Twig’s factory in Shawano. Some bottles in circulation have been around for over six decades, a testament to the sustainability and durability of this practice.

Ben Hartwig, the vice-president of Twig’s and grandson of its founder, reflects on the enduring appeal of their method: “We’ve been seeing some families come in for years. That nostalgic feel is something that long-time customers love; they cherish those cases like gold.”

**A Legacy of Flavor and Family**

Founded in 1951 by Floyd Hartwig, Twig’s Beverage is renowned for its Sun Drop soda, a citrus-flavored drink originating in 1940s Missouri. Despite Sun Drop now being owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, Twig’s continues to produce it under license, maintaining its independence. Notably, Twig’s is the last manufacturer to bottle Sun Drop in returnable glass and use real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup.

The company also produces a range of its own fruit sodas, including root beer and black cherry, although these are not currently available in returnable bottles outside their local market. Hartwig notes, “We are slowly picking up distributors and growing the brand. We hope to get Twig’s throughout the entirety of the Midwest.”

**The Heart of Shawano**

Twig’s is more than just a business in Shawano, a city with a population of just over 9,000. It is integral to the community’s fabric. The annual Sun Drop Dayz festival, a community event featuring live music and activities, underscores this connection. Additionally, visitors can explore Twig’s on-site museum to learn about its history and see the soda production process firsthand.

**Challenges and Community**

Running a traditional business in a modern world comes with its challenges. The fluctuating cost of sugar and other ingredients poses a constant threat to Twig’s pricing strategy. “We are always looking at ways to avoid increasing our prices,” says Hartwig, highlighting the company’s efforts to maintain affordability without compromising quality.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Twig’s story is one of resilience and family dedication. The business was born from Floyd Hartwig’s vision while recovering from war injuries, and it remains a family affair, now managed by his descendants. As Twig’s navigates the complexities of today’s market, its commitment to tradition and community continues to resonate with those who cherish the past.