Ecospirits launches in Dominican Republic

Sustainable packaging manufacturer Ecospirits has debuted in the Dominican Republic with spiced rum brand Candela Mamajuana.

The packaging producer will debut its closed-loop service in the Dominican Republic with Koi Dominicana, the producer of Candela Mamajuana.

Candela will be the first spirit available in the Ecotote, and Ecospirits will also join the Ecospirits Oceans Programme to fund removal of waste from marine environments.

Alejandro Russo, co-founder, Candela Mamajuana, said: “We are proud to have Candela Mamajuana, an authentic Dominican product, lead the way into sustainable business practices.

“We hope Candela Mamajuana becomes an example of eco-conscious values and sets the standards for other brands to follow.

“We are excited to be operators of the country’s first Ecoplant, and we look forward to seeing this closed-loop technology in action.”

Each order of an Ecotote in the Dominican Republic will fund the removal of one kilogram of single-use plastic, glass and other man-made wastes from endangered coral reefs and marine environments.

Other spirits producers will soon join the rum brand in participating in the Ecospirits Climate Partner Programme, the company said.

Resorts in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana will be among the first venues to receive closed-loop spirits service.

Jessica Berry, North America sales director for Ecospirits, said: “The Dominican Republic is a party nation that loves to celebrate and enjoy life, as well as many delicious rum-based cocktails. It has a thriving tourism scene with several luxurious and world-renowned hotels.

“All of this makes it perfectly positioned to transition to the circular economy, and we are excited to work with Candela Mamajuana to launch our low-waste and low-carbon packaging technology in our fourth island market. Together, we can make progress in ending single-use glass in the Dominican Republic.”

Mamajuana is a traditional native drink of the Dominican Republic, a blend of Dominican rum, natural spices, and honey.

Candela was created in 2016, and claims to be one of the first premium versions of mamajuana.

It is distilled from fresh-pressed sugarcane juice, and then aged in American oak barrels.

In October last year, Ecospirits hired a sales director for Europe, plus it expanded its UK portfolio.

One month later, in November, British vodka brand Black Cow collaborated with Ecospirits to launch a branded Ecotote glass vessel.