Drinks giant Diageo has developed a plastic free paper-based spirits bottle, made entirely from sustainably sourced wood, which will be used to package a limited edition run of Johnnie Walker whisky.
To make the bottles, Diageo has partnered with venture management company Pilot Lite to launch a new sustainable packaging technology company called Pulpex Limited, which will also produce packaging for the likes of Unilever and PepsiCo.
The “first-of-its-kind” scalable paper-based bottle, which will debut in early 2021, is made from sustainably sourced pulp, has been designed and developed to be 100% plastic-free and fully recyclable.
Ewan Andrew, chief sustainability officer, Diageo PLC, said: “We’re proud to have created this world first. We are constantly striving to push the boundaries within sustainable packaging and this bottle has the potential to be truly ground-breaking.
“It feels fitting that we should launch it with Johnnie Walker, a brand that has often led the way in innovation throughout its 200 years existence.”
Sandy Westwater, director, Pilot Lite, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with global brand leaders in this consortium. By working together, we can use the collective power of the brands to help minimise the environmental footprint of packaging by changing manufacturing and consumer behaviours.”
