<P> Six pack rings or six pack yokes are a set of connected plastic rings that are used in multi-packs of beverage, particularly six packs of beverage cans . </P> <P> The six pack rings in most common use today are the descendants of an original design by ITW Hi - Cone, which first introduced them in St. Louis, Missouri in the summer of 1960 . Within 10 years, plastic rings had completely replaced the paper and metal based holders then common in the market . Today several other manufacturers continue to produce six pack rings . Though interest in multi-packs has continued to grow, other variations, including paperboard baskets and HDPE plastic can carriers have grown in popularity, providing an alternative to conventional six pack rings . </P>

What is the plastic that holds cans together