Paper whisky bottle brings sustainable packaging to adult beverage sector

Diageo has announced a new initiative in sustainable packaging, with a 100 per cent paper-based bottle

Spotted: Diageo, the company behind drinks brands such as Smirnoff, Guinness, Tanqueray and Captain Morgan, has joined with Unilever and PepsiCo to make a major investment in sustainable packaging technology. The rival companies have joined with venture management company Pilot Lite to launch sustainable packaging technology company Pulpex Limited.

Pulpex has designed and developed a scalable and fully-recyclable paper-based drinks bottle. It is made from food-safe and sustainably sourced pulp. To prevent leaks, the contents are protected by a liner made from resin, which disintegrates once the bottle is empty. The cap will be made of aluminium, which can be recycled.

Unilever and PepsiCo are also working with Pulpex on the development of paper bottles, with Unilever planning on reducing its use of plastic packaging by more than 100,000 tonnes over the next five years. Diageo will be launching its first paper bottle with Johnnie Walker whisky. The company is aiming to launch the bottle early next year.

Ewan Andrew, the chief sustainability officer at Diageo, said the company is proud to have created the world’s first paper drinks bottle. “We are constantly striving to push the boundaries within sustainable packaging and this bottle has the potential to be truly groundbreaking. It feels fitting that we should launch it with Johnnie Walker, a brand that has often led the way in innovation through its 200-year existence.”

Springwise has seen a growing number of innovative sustainable packaging ideas, including a reusable shipping box and toiletry bottles made of soap. However, having some of the world’s largest drinks and spirits manufacturers devote resources to sustainable packaging could give the industry a huge boost.

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