23 Oct

Building an Authentically Sustainable Spirit Brand

As ever, the spirit industry is shifting and evolving to the changing landscape around them. Right now, the industry is navigating to a greener future, planning and actioning change across its entire operation. The immediacy of which is being driven by two parallel forces, the shifting mindset of consumers and developing regulations.

 

Actioning Change in Spirits

The need for change is widely understood by spirit companies, but the ‘how?’ is another matter. Alcohol producers need to be clear in their intentions and ensure real, long-term action is being taken to lessen their environmental footprint.

So, how can you action ‘true’ sustainability in spirit production and distribution from the perspective of a glass packaging manufacturer committed to real change?

The components of sustainable change seep into every aspect of the business, including the materials that are sourced, the production methods, the packaging format, the distribution method, and even the story that is relayed to consumers.

Honing in on the area of packaging, there are several ways in which spirit producers can limit their environmental impact.

 

 

Maximising the Use of Cullet

 To begin with, brands can seek to integrate a higher proportion of cullet into their glass packaging. Cullet refers to recycled glass, either sourced internally from glass that didn’t meet quality control standards or externally from household glass. The introduction of cullet into glass bottles, in particular composing bottles of primarily cullet, offers two major environmental benefits; reducing the use of natural raw materials, including sand, preserving natural resources, and reducing both energy use and CO2 emissions from the melting process. For each additional 10 points of cullet used, furnaces produce 2.5% less CO2.

One of our craft clients, The Secret Garden Distillery, took a strategic approach to sustainability. As part of their sustainability agenda, they looked to minimise their Scope 3 emissions and packaging was a key initiative. The distillery chose to introduce 60% recycled glass into their 700ml bottle. They were so committed to reducing their environmental impact that they altered their recipe to avoid contrasting colours between the bottle and the gin, to complement the tint that naturally comes with recycled glass.

Explore the Case Study

 

Lessening the Impact of the Supply Chain

Beyond the introduction of recycled content, eco-conscious spirit brands can further elevate their sustainable credentials by lightweighting their bottles. Adapting current bottle designs or embracing existing eco-designed bottle ranges can significantly reduce a bottle’s weight. In turn, this leads to significant carbon reductions in the supply chain and limits the amount of material required in the initial production.

In 2019, Verallia set a goal of reducing the average weight of our standard non-returnable bottles and jars by 3% by 2025. Our progress in 2023 means we are well on track to meet this goal, where around a hundred lightweighting projects generated a reduction of 1.3% representing savings of around 6,000 tonnes of glass.

A key definition of actioning sustainable change would be our client, Two Drifters, who are trailblazers in sustainable spirits. They produce handcrafted carbon-negative rum using science, innovation, and passion for both the industry and the environment. As part of their ongoing commitment to remain carbon negative, they sought packaging that would have minimal impact on the environment. Two Drifters switched from a previous supplier to Verallia, as we were able to lighten their bottle weight by 30% and significantly reduce associated transportation CO2 emissions. That’s due to both the weight and distance travelled, as they were now sourcing from a British supplier.

Read the Full Case Study

 

Showcasing a Sustainable Story

Beyond being an integral part of your carbon reduction plan, glass packaging can be a vessel to manifest your brand’s sustainable story. Through bespoke creations or decoration techniques, glass bottles allow you to infuse elements that reflect the environment around them or the commitment you have made.

Isle of Barra blended style with sustainability to showcase their love for their home island. The brand chose to move away from a stock bottle that was made from 100% extra white flint glass to a bespoke bottle containing 60% recycled glass content, with a reduced weight of 17%. In this bottle, they sought a hand-marbling artist that forged a shape echoing the carrageen seaweed found in the North Atlantic Sea that surrounds them. Beyond this, they injected a colour palette that was inspired by the shores to pay homage to the environment around them.

Explore the Full Story

 

Combining Sustainability and Elegance

 If you are aspiring to forge a sustainable spirit, then discover ECOVA.

Inspired by our passion to re-imagine glass packaging for a sustainable future, our experts curated the ECOVA range which fuses together ecology and value. Through quality craftmanship and an innovative approach to eco-design, our range offers the lightest cork mouth bottles available in Europe, weighing just 500g and composed of 60% recycled glass.

Whether you are a start-up distillery embarking on your journey to sustainability or a renowned brand looking to introduce more eco-conscious SKUs, ECOVA is for you.

 

Begin your journey to sustainability today.
 

Looking for timeless, sustainable glass packaging that delivers on both style and substance? 🔍

Meet ECOVA, our signature sustainable range, crafted with purpose and pride.

Designed to suit every spirit, ECOVA features five classic bottle shapes that:

♻️ Weigh just 500g
♻️ Are made primarily from recycled cullet
♻️ Feature optimised designs to reduce excess packaging

Created as an accessible way for brands to go greener, ECOVA helps you showcase your spirit with integrity.

Explore the full collection by visiting the link in our bio!

#ECOVA #Packaging #Sustainable #Sustainability #GlassPackaging
...

9 0

Celebrating World Gin Day!

We are proud to craft packaging that exudes excellence for the gin sector. From contemporary, dynamic brands to traditional heritage distilleries, Verallia continues to partner with some of the most exciting gin brands globally.

We raise a glass to gin and all the fantastic people that make it so exciting!

#GinDay #WorldGinDay #GlassBottle #GlassPackaging #Sustainable
...

7 0

We are thrilled to welcome an incredible line up of speakers for this year’s Distillers Forum 👏

Our handpicked experts will be delivering expert knowledge, covering each element of the spirit sector. From the latest trends to insights that will push the industry forward over the next year, you’ll learn from industry heavyweights about skyrocketing your brand’s potential.

We’ll be hearing from:

Jennifer Newell
Alex Oldroyd
Garett Pitcher
Chris Pitcher
Claire Warner
Olivier Ward
Ciaran McNicholas

It’ll be a day of inspiring stories, stimulating conversation and a chance to forge groundbreaking partnerships! Register your interest through the link in our bio!

#Verallia #GlassBottle #Event #GlassSector #SpiritSector #Spirits #Distillers #DistillersForum
...

15 0

A taste of Mexico, refined in Yorkshire. 🇲🇽🏴

Pico Tequilana Blanco by Double Six Drinks blends agave heritage with bold innovation. Bottled in our elegant Caeli bottle from the ECOVA collection, made with 58% recycled glass, this spirit is a celebration of conscious design.

Finished with a standout custom label, it’s a perfect fusion of sustainability and style. Here's to reimagining tequila, the Yorkshire way. ¡Salud!

#Innovation #Sustainability #RecycledGlass #Tequila #YorkshireDistillery
...

5 0

13th May marks World Cocktail Day 🍸

We’re proud to support the cocktail world with glass packaging that brings every serve to life, from timeless classics to bold, modern creations.

To elevate your cocktail brand’s packaging, contact our team today, link in our bio 🔗

#WorldCocktailDay #Cocktail #Drinks #GlassPackaging #Packaging
...

2 0

Boldly powered by women, beautifully made for the future.

Nordic distillers @Feddie_Ocean_Distillery are breaking boundaries as a fully women-led whisky. To showcase their high-quality spirit, we set out to craft a bottle that embodied elegance, heritage, and sustainability, with no compromise on luxury.

In collaboration with the talented team at @wearecontagiouswe created a bespoke glass bottle that balances elegance with a premium, contemporary feel.

The tall, slender silhouette is elevated by thoughtful details: 521 embossed lines representing each resident of Fedje, the Nordic Island where the distillery was born, and 750 dots, each symbolising an investor who supported the distillery at the time of production.

We worked to sustainably craft this glass packaging to align with the brand’s ethos. The bottle’s weight was reduced from a traditional 700g to just 450g,️ as well as being crafted from 58% post-consumer recycled glass! ♻️

The result is a beautifully crafted bottle that balances premium design with environmental responsibility. One that resonated instantly with consumers, selling out in its first week.

#Sustainable #LuxuryPackaging #GlassBottle #SpiritSector #Lightweight
...

6 0

With Season 4 of Clarkson’s Farm launching, Verallia is proud to have partnered with @DiddlySquat.FarmShop to craft the stunning glass packaging for their handcrafted London Dry Gin.

The gin is beautifully housed in our ‘Titus’ bottle from the Selective Line, a sleek, refined silhouette that offers both premium aesthetics and outstanding functionality with every pour.
An exceptional project delivered by our talented team!

Here’s to Season 4 📺

#DiddlySquat #ClarksonsFarm #GlassBottle #LuxuryPackaging #Gin
...

5 0

Follow Us

Looking for timeless, sustainable glass packaging that delivers on both style and substance? 🔍

Meet ECOVA, our signature sustainable range, crafted with purpose and pride.

Designed to suit every spirit, ECOVA features five classic bottle shapes that:

♻️ Weigh just 500g
♻️ Are made primarily from recycled cullet
♻️ Feature optimised designs to reduce excess packaging

Created as an accessible way for brands to go greener, ECOVA helps you showcase your spirit with integrity.

Explore the full collection by visiting the link in our bio!

#ECOVA #Packaging #Sustainable #Sustainability #GlassPackaging
...

9 0

Celebrating World Gin Day!

We are proud to craft packaging that exudes excellence for the gin sector. From contemporary, dynamic brands to traditional heritage distilleries, Verallia continues to partner with some of the most exciting gin brands globally.

We raise a glass to gin and all the fantastic people that make it so exciting!

#GinDay #WorldGinDay #GlassBottle #GlassPackaging #Sustainable
...

7 0

We are thrilled to welcome an incredible line up of speakers for this year’s Distillers Forum 👏

Our handpicked experts will be delivering expert knowledge, covering each element of the spirit sector. From the latest trends to insights that will push the industry forward over the next year, you’ll learn from industry heavyweights about skyrocketing your brand’s potential.

We’ll be hearing from:

Jennifer Newell
Alex Oldroyd
Garett Pitcher
Chris Pitcher
Claire Warner
Olivier Ward
Ciaran McNicholas

It’ll be a day of inspiring stories, stimulating conversation and a chance to forge groundbreaking partnerships! Register your interest through the link in our bio!

#Verallia #GlassBottle #Event #GlassSector #SpiritSector #Spirits #Distillers #DistillersForum
...

15 0

A taste of Mexico, refined in Yorkshire. 🇲🇽🏴

Pico Tequilana Blanco by Double Six Drinks blends agave heritage with bold innovation. Bottled in our elegant Caeli bottle from the ECOVA collection, made with 58% recycled glass, this spirit is a celebration of conscious design.

Finished with a standout custom label, it’s a perfect fusion of sustainability and style. Here's to reimagining tequila, the Yorkshire way. ¡Salud!

#Innovation #Sustainability #RecycledGlass #Tequila #YorkshireDistillery
...

5 0

13th May marks World Cocktail Day 🍸

We’re proud to support the cocktail world with glass packaging that brings every serve to life, from timeless classics to bold, modern creations.

To elevate your cocktail brand’s packaging, contact our team today, link in our bio 🔗

#WorldCocktailDay #Cocktail #Drinks #GlassPackaging #Packaging
...

2 0

Boldly powered by women, beautifully made for the future.

Nordic distillers @Feddie_Ocean_Distillery are breaking boundaries as a fully women-led whisky. To showcase their high-quality spirit, we set out to craft a bottle that embodied elegance, heritage, and sustainability, with no compromise on luxury.

In collaboration with the talented team at @wearecontagiouswe created a bespoke glass bottle that balances elegance with a premium, contemporary feel.

The tall, slender silhouette is elevated by thoughtful details: 521 embossed lines representing each resident of Fedje, the Nordic Island where the distillery was born, and 750 dots, each symbolising an investor who supported the distillery at the time of production.

We worked to sustainably craft this glass packaging to align with the brand’s ethos. The bottle’s weight was reduced from a traditional 700g to just 450g,️ as well as being crafted from 58% post-consumer recycled glass! ♻️

The result is a beautifully crafted bottle that balances premium design with environmental responsibility. One that resonated instantly with consumers, selling out in its first week.

#Sustainable #LuxuryPackaging #GlassBottle #SpiritSector #Lightweight
...

6 0

With Season 4 of Clarkson’s Farm launching, Verallia is proud to have partnered with @DiddlySquat.FarmShop to craft the stunning glass packaging for their handcrafted London Dry Gin.

The gin is beautifully housed in our ‘Titus’ bottle from the Selective Line, a sleek, refined silhouette that offers both premium aesthetics and outstanding functionality with every pour.
An exceptional project delivered by our talented team!

Here’s to Season 4 📺

#DiddlySquat #ClarksonsFarm #GlassBottle #LuxuryPackaging #Gin
...

5 0

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