Get in touch
Green and Tonic: Gin in Paper Bottles is the New Eco-Tipple
Vincent Graffeo • Dec 22, 2020
Packagers step up production of ‘frugal’ containers as consumers embrace sustainable alternative
Article by The Guardian
The world’s first gin in a paper-based bottle is set to go on sale in the UK early next year as packaging specialists jostle to step up production of eco-friendly alternatives to the traditional glass container.
The UK manufacturer of the so-called “frugal” bottle – made from predominantly recycled paperboard with a food-grade liner inside – has received orders from around the world to make containers for sake and spirits in Japan, whiskey in the US and wine in Spain, Australia, Italy and France.
Frugalpac, based in Suffolk, has recently partnered with Silent Pool Distillers in Surrey to produce the world’s first commercial gin in a paper bottle in early 2021, opening a new factory to increase production capacity.
The new eco-friendly bottles – which can be recycled along with household waste – are a novel alternative to the carbon-intensive glass model devised by the Romans but which has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century. Although glass can be recycled, it is very carbon-intensive to make.
The frugal bottle, made from recycled paperboard, is five times lighter than a glass one and has a carbon footprint up to six times (84%) lower than a glass bottle.
New research shows that nearly two-thirds of wine drinkers in the UK said they would buy wine in a paper bottle, according to Frugalpac’s independent research. The survey by Survation found that 63% would buy it in a new-style container, while only 14% said they would not.
Malcolm Waugh, chief executive of Frugalpac, said: “Our bottle seems to have really captured the imagination of drinks brands and customers. It’s clear that people want to drink more sustainably, and paper bottles are here to stay. Wine experts used to say people would turn their noses up at screw caps. But they’ve become the norm and we believe the paper bottle will prove just as popular.”
The new product is based on the model for “bag in box” wines – dubbed “cardbordeaux” and “bagnums” – which enjoyed a sales surge in the UK during lockdown as Britons opted for better value for money and fewer trips to the supermarket.
Frugalpac, which devised what it claimed was the world’s first fully recyclable coffee cup, was recently singled out by the UK Department for International Trade’s Great Britain campaign as “doing incredible things to help build a global sustainable future” in the run-up to next year’s COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow.
Solo traveling can be quite liberating, and it's even more so when you're on a cruise. Imagine having loads of downtime to relax, recharge and maybe read all those books you've neglected for so long. When you cruise as a solo, you're able to dine when you want, choose the port experiences that you want and spend time doing the activities that you want to do, without compromising with other people.
Virgin Voyages announced today its plans to start sailing in spring 2021, pushing its introduction back to May with the Scarlet Lady sailing from Miami to the Caribbean. In addition, the Valiant Lady will not debut in Europe, but will instead launch service in the Caribbean on Nov. 14, 2021, with a European season set for 2021.
A Princess MedallionClass™ vacation offers the ultimate in effortless, personalized cruising. It begins with your OceanMedallion™, a quarter-sized, wearable device^ that enables everything from touch-free boarding to locating your loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever you need, delivered.
Viking has hired Raquel C. Bono, M.D. as the cruise line’s Chief Health Officer. This announcement follows news that Viking has become the first cruise line to complete the installation of a full-scale polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing laboratory at sea.
Royal Caribbean announced three Oasis-class ships – Symphony, Harmony and Oasis of the Seas – will sail from Florida and the Northeast in 2022, plus the Liberty, Explorer and amplified Mariner of the Seas, on Caribbean itineraries, according to a press release.
For over two decades, Wine Enthusiast has honored individuals and companies that have contributed to the success of the wine and spirits industry, with our annual Wine Star Awards.
The global health pandemic of 2020 has seen numerous delays for the industry's orderbook, with new ships under construction being pushed back months, and sometimes years, from their original launch dates.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has dropped its controversial "No Sail" order in favor for a so-called Conditional Sailing Order. In short, the "No Sail" order has been lifted and the industry will work with the CDC on a realistic, phased-in return to service. "The initial phases will consist of testing and additional safeguards for crew members," the CDC said in a statement posted to its website.
BioHiTech Global received an additional purchase order for its Revolution series food waste digesters from Carnival Corp., valued at approximately $500,000.