Diageo has announced the creation of a new plastic-free, paper-based bottle, which debuts with Johnnie Walker Scotch.

The bottle is made entirely from sustainably sourced wood, the company says.

This comes as more alcohol companies worldwide embrace eco-friendly and sustainable measures. As part of this broader effort, Diageo has simultaneously launched a new partnership with Pilot Lite — a venture management company — to launch Pulpex Limited, a new sustainable packaging technology company.

So that this tech can have wider use, Pulpex Limited has established a partner consortium of FMCG companies in non-competing categories — including Unilever and PepsiCo — with further partners expected to be announced later in the year. The consortium partners are each expecting to launch their own branded paper bottles, based on Pulpex Limited’s design and technology, in 2021.

Pulpex Limited has developed a scalable, paper-based bottle, designed and developed to be 100% plastic free, and expected to be fully recyclable. The bottle is made from sustainably sourced pulp to meet food-safe standards. It will be fully recyclable in standard waste streams, the company reports. 

“We are constantly striving to push the boundaries within sustainable packaging and this bottle has the potential to be truly ground-breaking,” says Ewan Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer, Diageo PLC. “It feels fitting that we should launch it with Johnnie Walker, a brand that has often led the way in innovation throughout its 200 years existence.”

Pulpex Limited’s technology allows it to produce a variety of plastic-free, single mould bottles that can be used across a range of consumer goods. The packaging has been designed to contain a variety of liquid products, and will form part of Diageo’s commitment towards Goal 12 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: “Responsible Consumption and Production.”

“We’re thrilled to be working with global brand leaders in this consortium,” says Sandy Westwater, Director, Pilot Lite. “By working together, we can use the collective power of the brands to help minimize the environmental footprint of packaging by changing manufacturing and consumer behaviors.”