Bacardi takes EcoSpirits deal global
Family-owned Bacardi has become the latest drinks company to agree a global partnership with closed-loop packaging specialist EcoSpirits, following Pernod Ricard and Rémy Cointreau.
EcoSpirits’ system reduces packaging waste by 95% and carbon emissions by 60%to 90%, on average. French spirits conglomerates Rémy Cointreau and Pernod Ricard (which both own minority stakes in the firm) are both partners alongside Diageo, De Kuyper, Takamaka Rum and Avallen Calvados.
EcoSpirits’ latest global agreement expands on a previous deal in August 2023, when Bermuda-based Bacardi became the first company to introduce circular packaging in the cruise industry.
Bacardi launched a pilot in 2023 using its namesake Carta Blanca rum on Carnival Cruise lines in EcoSpirits’ EcoTote. The collaboration eliminated more than 130,000 single-use glass bottles and removed more than 82,000 kilograms of packaging waste.
Under the new global agreement, Bacardi will have access to EcoSpirits’ entire range, including the EcoTote, SmartPour, EcoPlant and the CircularOne software platform.
The companies will continue to collaborate on technology solutions for operational environments, such as cruise ships, resorts and high-volume hospitality venues.
The deal will also enable Bacardi to explore ‘potential future applications’ across multiple brands, channels and sectors.
Since the partnership began in 2023, EcoSpirits’ CEO Paul Gabie said the two firms have “demonstrated what this model can deliver in a complex, high-volume environment”.
He continued: “This new global agreement marks an important next step in our collaboration and creates a framework to explore broader future opportunities together across additional channels and sectors.
“The technical collaboration we’ve built with Bacardi also shows how brand owners and technology partners can work together to accelerate the transition away from single-use glass.”
Bacardi also played a key part in the development of the EcoTote 3.0SC Cruise Edition, a purpose-built solution engineered for maritime environments with enhanced corrosion resistance and compliance with US hygiene regulations.
As part of its Good Spirited sustainability programme, Bacardi is working to cut packaging waste and environmental impact across its portfolio.
Rodolfo Nervi, vice-president of corporate sustainability, global safety and quality, Bacardi, added: “Expanding our work in circular packaging builds on real progress we’ve already made to reduce waste across our portfolio and reflects our ambition to keep raising the bar.
“This agreement shows how collaboration and innovation can help accelerate positive change at scale.”
Last year, The Spirits Business explored the importance of using closed-loop systems in the industry.
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