Close Menu
News

Diageo plans sustainable glass bottle production

Johnnie Walker owner Diageo participated in a pilot project that reduced the carbon footprint of a glass whisky bottle by up to 90%.

Diageo used Black & White whisky bottles for the pilot project

Diageo partnered with glass manufacturer Encirc and research and technology body Glass Futures on the project, which used the firm’s Black & White Scotch brand as the test subject.

The project saw the use of a waste-based powered furnace to cut the carbon footprint of a glass bottle by up to 90%.

The pilot produced 173,000 Black & White bottles using 100% recycled glass – making the batch the most environmentally-friendly ever made for a Scotch brand.

The companies will work together to develop and boost the project for future production.

Diageo’s senior packaging technologist, John Aird, who led the project for the firm, said: “We are committed to creating a sustainable future for our business and that includes looking for innovative new ways to make our bottles and packaging that reduces the carbon footprint of our products.

“This trial is just a first step in the journey to decarbonise this aspect of our supply chain and we still have a long way to go, but we are delighted with the results of the collaboration and the platform it creates for future innovation.”

The project is part of the UK government-backed Energy Innovation Programme.

Diageo has agreed to partner with Glass Future for 10 years to ‘accelerate collaboration and innovation in the glass industry’.

Aird added: “We see Glass Futures as a great opportunity to develop new technology and to help deliver net-zero glass manufacturing and we are delighted to support them in that mission.”

The collaboration is in line with Diageo’s commitment to sustainability as part of its Society 2030: Spirit of Progress plan. The company is aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from all direct operations by 2030.

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No