Bacardi has reduced the use of plastic in its festive season gift packs by -50%, with packaging from key brands on track to being plastic-free by 2023.
The drinks company said it is removing 147 tons of single-use plastic used annually in its gift packs through innovative new designs. Bacardi is also replacing plastic inserts or trays with sustainable alternatives made from cardboard certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Bacardi described the 50% cut as a “giant step” towards the company achieving its goal of being a 100% plastic-free company by 2030.
The refreshed designs include packs from Bacardi Reserva Ocho, Grey Goose vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin, Bombay Bramble gin, Martini Fiero and Dewar’s 12 Year Old blended Scotch whisky.
Bacardi Vice President Global Safety, Quality & Sustainability Rodolfo Nervi said: “As a family-owned company for nearly 160 years, we have crafted exceptional drinks enjoyed by generations of consumers.
“We want to be the most environmentally responsible global drinks company and we will only achieve this ambition by constantly exploring and investing in new innovations, like sustainable alternatives to plastic.”
“We have achieved this long success by always looking to the future and doing the right thing for our consumers, our customers and our company.
“Today’s announcement confirms this. We want to be the most environmentally responsible global drinks company and we will only achieve this ambition by constantly exploring and investing in new innovations, like sustainable alternatives to plastic, which will help us meet our environmental goals.”
As part of its Good Spirited Corporate Responsibility programme – and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Bacardi has set a number of goals which it is committed to achieving by 2025.
These goals, which are in addition to the company’s commitment to be 100% plastic free by 2030, include:
- -50% cut in greenhouse gas emissions
- -25% cut in water consumption
- 100% key raw materials and packaging sourced sustainably
- 100% of product packaging to be recyclable
- 40% recycled content of product packaging materials
- Zero waste to landfill at all production sites.
The new 100% plastic-free gift packs are available in selected markets globally throughout the holiday season.
Further details on Bacardi’s sustainability commitments and its vision to become the most environmentally responsible global spirits are available here.