Proof & Company rolls out sustainability solution

Spirits distributor Proof & Company has pioneered a new Smart Kiosk technology by Ecospirits in Singapore.

The ‘innovative’ patent-pending technology represents the next step in Ecospirits’ intelligent circular roadmap.

Partnering with DFI Retail Group for the Singapore launch, Proof & Company has deployed the first Smart Kiosk in CS Fresh in Tanglin Mall, with four more locations pinned for launch later this year.

The new CS Fresh Smart Kiosk will offer Singapore’s shoppers access to sustainable refills of a selection of craft spirit brands, including gins from the island’s Brass Lion Distillery.

“Proof & Company is proud to be the very first operator of the Smart Kiosk technology globally,” said Brandon Grusd, general manager for Southeast Asia. “Having first pioneered Ecospirits in the on-premise channel back in 2018, it’s a natural fit for our growing network of retailers across Asia Pacific.

“It also provides a wonderful opportunity for our brand partners, such as Brass Lion Distillery and True Believers, to be at the forefront of consumer innovation.

“DFI and CS Fresh should be commended for their sustainability leadership in pioneering such a unique shopper experience.”

Other spirits available will include Tried & True straight wheat vodka, Widges gin, Mackintosh blended malt Scotch whisky, and Los Arcos Destilado de Agave.

Placing their bottle under an intelligent pouring system, which features brand authentication, and by using a touch screen, customers can accurately refill with their favourite spirits.

Each sustainable refill offers significant environmental benefits, eliminating an average of 550g of carbon emissions and more than 700g of single-use packaging waste.

Consumers will also save up to 20% of the cost over the same spirit in single-use packaging formats.

“Circular retail for spirits and wine presents enormous opportunities and equally great challenges,” commented Paul Gabie, Ecospirits CEO. “Retail purchases make up the largest volume segment for our industry and the largest source of single-use glass waste. As such, it is incumbent upon all of us to find more sustainable ways to serve consumers.

“Helping shoppers adapt to novel consumption patterns is not easy, but in the face of global waste and climate crisis, adaptation is a must. Together with trailblazing partners like Proof & Company and DFI Retail Group, we can build a future beyond single-use packaging.”

This technology debut aligns with the city state’s Singapore Green Plan 2030, which commits to a 30% reduction of daily waste per capita by 2030.

As part of the collaboration, for each refill purchased Ecospirits, Proof & Company and DFI will jointly plant one tree in the CS Fresh Forest under the Ecospirits Forest Programme.

Additional Smart Kiosks will be deployed in Ecospirits markets around the world in the coming months.

We recently shone a light on the brands that are moving forward in the world of sustainability.