Maya Ellison
Absolut Vodka, one of the world's largest spirits brands, has recently turned heads with its innovative bottle design. The iconic vodka brand, produced in Åhus, Sweden, has unveiled a new bottle made from 57% paper and lined with recyclable plastic. This bold move is part of Absolut's commitment to sustainability and its journey towards creating a 100% bio-based bottle in the future. With this initiative, Absolut Vodka is leading the charge within the Pernod Ricard group to reduce environmental impact and push the boundaries of sustainable packaging. The new bottle not only showcases Absolut's dedication to innovation and quality but also reflects the brand's history of challenging conventions, dating back to its founder, Lars Olsson Smith, who introduced continuous distillation to Sweden in 1879.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bottle material | 57% paper |
| Plastic type | PEN polymer |
| Plastic barrier | recyclable plastic |
| Plastic barrier (future) | HDPE |
| Plastic barrier (future) | 15% |
| Plastic barrier (future) | fibre |
| Plastic barrier (future) | 85% paper |
| Cap | natural fibre-based screw cap |
| Cap material | cellulose |
| Cap properties | durable, strong, water-resistant |
| Cap material (future) | fibre |
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What You'll Learn
Absolut Vodka's plastic lining is recyclable
Absolut Vodka has been a pioneer of premium vodka since its launch in New York in 1979. The brand has always been committed to sustainability, with its founder LO Smith willing to produce a better vodka free from fusel fuels to improve public health and care for the well-being of his staff. Over a century later, Absolut Vodka continues to uphold this commitment with its new bottle, which is made from 57% paper with a plastic lining that is recyclable.
The new bottle is part of Absolut's "Future of Packaging" initiative, which aims to create a 100% bio-based bottle. The first trials of the new bottle began in late 2020 at festivals in the UK and Sweden, and in 2023, the single-mould paper bottle was tested on supermarket shelves. The bottle is made from 57% paper and an integrated barrier of recyclable plastic, allowing it to be recycled "as paper" through normal household waste. This makes Absolut Vodka the first global spirits company to sell single-mould bottles commercially in-store.
The plastic lining in the new Absolut Vodka bottle is an important step in the brand's journey towards creating a fully circular business. The plastic is described as a "recyclable plastic" by Absolut, and customers can recycle the packaging as paper through their regular recycling process. This means that the plastic lining can be recycled along with the paper bottle, without the need for any special disposal methods.
The new bottle is also part of a wider collaboration with Paboco (the Paper Bottle Company) and other global brands such as The Coca-Cola Company, Carlsberg, P&G, and L'Oréal. This collaboration aims to push the boundaries for sustainable packaging and develop solutions that are good for both consumers and the planet. Absolut Vodka's new bottle is just one example of how the brand is striving to redefine the vodka market and inspire people to come together to mix ideas and drinks while also being mindful of the environment.
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The plastic barrier is made from a PEN polymer
Absolut Vodka has been working towards creating a 100% bio-based bottle. In 2023, the company launched a new bottle made from 57% paper with a plastic lining. This bottle was the first of its kind to be sold commercially by a global spirits company. The plastic lining is made from a PEN polymer, which serves two purposes: it works well for Absolut Vodka, and it can enter paper mills without polluting recycling streams.
The bottle was initially tested at festivals in the UK and Sweden in 2020, and then in 2023, it was sold in 22 Tesco stores across Greater Manchester. Manchester was chosen as the test location because the region has the infrastructure to recycle both paper and the plastic barrier. The trial received positive feedback, with consistent sales and consumers who appreciated the initiative.
The plastic barrier is an integral part of Absolut's vision for single-mould paper-based bottles to become part of their packaging portfolio, complementing their iconic glass bottle. The company is committed to sustainability and aims to produce a carbon-neutral product by 2030. The next step in their journey is the creation of a 'Next-Gen paper bottle', which will contain a minimum of 85% paper and a reduced plastic barrier. This bottle will also feature a fibre cap, which is currently being developed in collaboration with Swedish-based Blue Ocean Closures (BOC). The cap is made from renewable and recyclable wood fibres and is intended to be recycled in the regular paper recycling stream.
Absolut Vodka's initiative is part of a wider collaboration with Paboco (the Paper Bottle Company) and other global brands to push the boundaries for sustainable packaging. The company invites consumers and partners to join them on their journey towards a more sustainable future, recognising the importance of bold partnerships in developing packaging solutions that are environmentally friendly.
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Absolut is working with Paboco to create a paper bottle
Absolut Vodka, a brand of vodka produced in Åhus, Sweden, has been working to create a more sustainable product and reduce its environmental impact. In June 2023, Absolut announced its collaboration with Paboco, the Paper Bottle Company, to create a paper-based bottle. This initiative is part of Absolut's journey towards creating a '100% bio-based bottle' and reducing its carbon footprint.
The new bottle is made from 57% paper with a plastic lining, specifically a PEN polymer, which Absolut describes as "recyclable plastic." The plastic barrier serves two purposes: it works as a functional barrier for the vodka and it can enter paper mills without polluting recycling streams. This makes the bottle recyclable "as paper" through normal household waste. Absolut's commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated by its initiative with Ardagh Glass Packaging to use a partly hydrogen energy-fired glass furnace for large-scale bottle production, reducing emissions by 98% compared to the average distillery.
The paper bottle is an important milestone for Absolut and Paboco, and the result of almost a year of joint development work. The bottle uses FSC-certified sustainably sourced paper, with a strong fiber network that maintains the bottle's strength while allowing for a thin barrier layer to prevent water vapour and oxygen transmission. This collaboration brings together experts in materials, design, and technology, uniting Paboco, paper expert BillerudKorsnäs, global bottle manufacturer ALPLA Group, and pioneering brands such as Carlsberg Group, L'Oréal, and The Coca-Cola Company.
The first 2000 bottles were produced for testing, marking the first time a global spirits company has sold paper-based bottles commercially in-store. These bottles were sold in 22 Tesco stores across Greater Manchester, UK, during the summer of 2023, with a retail price of £16 for a 500ml bottle. The trial aims to gather insights from consumers, retailers, and supply chain partners to inform Absolut's journey towards a fully bio-based bottle and a more sustainable future.
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The company aims to be carbon-neutral by 2030
Absolut Vodka, a brand of vodka produced near Åhus in southern Sweden, has set an ambitious target to become carbon-neutral by 2030. As part of the French group Pernod Ricard, Absolut is committed to sustainability and responsibility, with a roadmap for 2030 called "Good Times from a Good Place". The company's journey towards carbon neutrality is well underway, with several initiatives already in place and future plans in the works.
Absolut Vodka's distillery in Åhus is recognised as one of the most climate and energy-efficient in the world, emitting 98% fewer emissions than the average distillery. The company aims to make its production fossil-free by 2025 and is working towards securing B Corp status for its brands. Absolut has also updated its Sustainable Wheat Programme, focusing on biodiversity, climate, water resources, and soil health. The programme encourages sustainable practices among approximately 400 farmers involved in wheat production.
To reduce the carbon footprint of its glass bottles, which represent about half of the brand's climate impact, Absolut has reduced the weight of its bottles by 10%. Additionally, 53% of their bottles are made from recycled glass, with an ambition to further increase this percentage. The company is also developing a natural fibre-based screw cap that will be bio-based, biodegradable, and recyclable.
In collaboration with Ardagh Glass Packaging, Absolut Vodka has initiated the use of a partly hydrogen energy-fired glass furnace for large-scale bottle production, reducing CO2 emissions. The brand is also working with Paboco (the Paper Bottle Company) to create a 'Next-Gen paper bottle', which will contain a minimum of 85% paper. This follows the successful launch of a new bottle made from 57% paper with a recyclable plastic lining, sold in Tesco stores across Greater Manchester during summer 2023.
Absolut Vodka's commitment to carbon neutrality extends beyond its production processes and packaging. The company is actively engaged in field trials with a local agricultural organisation and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU, to ensure that all wheat purchased for vodka production is covered by a sustainability certification by 2030. Absolut is also nurturing terroirs, working with wheat farmers, suppliers, and communities to protect ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and restore soil health.
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Absolut's plastic-lined paper bottles were first trialled in 2020
Absolut Vodka, a Swedish vodka brand, has been at the forefront of sustainability since its inception. The company's commitment to sustainability is evident in its latest initiative, the
Absolut's plastic-lined paper bottles are an innovative approach to packaging, with the bottle made from 57% paper and an integrated barrier of recyclable plastic. This design ensures the bottle can be recycled as paper through normal household waste streams, making it convenient for consumers. The trial aimed to gather insights from various stakeholders, including consumers, retailers, and supply chain partners, to inform the next steps in Absolut's journey towards a more sustainable future.
The plastic lining in the paper bottles serves a crucial purpose. For the Absolut Vodka bottles, a PEN polymer was used as it possesses two beneficial properties. Firstly, it functions effectively as a barrier for the vodka. Secondly, it can enter paper mills without contaminating the recycling streams, thus maintaining the integrity of the recycling process. This thoughtful choice of material demonstrates Absolut's commitment to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.
Absolut's collaboration with Paboco (the Paper Bottle Company) and other global brands is a testament to their dedication to creating sustainable packaging solutions. By working together, these companies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the drinks and packaging industries. Absolut's ambition is to create a fully circular business, and the trial of plastic-lined paper bottles in 2020 was a significant milestone in this journey.
The trial of plastic-lined paper bottles in 2020 was not only about sustainability but also about functionality. Absolut wanted to ensure that their new packaging maintained the high standards of their iconic glass bottle. The company tested the bottles on long-distance shipping transport to assess their durability and how they compared to glass bottles in terms of scuffing. This comprehensive approach to trialling the new packaging demonstrates Absolut's commitment to both sustainability and quality.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic in Absolut Vodka bottles is a recyclable plastic lining, which is described as an integrated barrier by the company. The plastic is made from a PEN polymer, which can enter paper mills without polluting recycling streams.
The Absolut Vodka bottle is made from 57% paper, with the remaining percentage being the recyclable plastic lining.
Yes, the Absolut Vodka bottle can be recycled "as paper" through normal household waste.
Absolut Vodka is working towards creating a 100% bio-based bottle in the future. The company has also stated that it aims to be carbon-neutral by 2030.
