The Danish beer company, Carlsberg, has revealed two new recyclable prototypes of the sustainably-sourced wood fibre bottle it hopes to eventually bring to market. One version is lined with a thin film of recycled PET plastic to keep beer from seeping out. The other uses a bio-based lining. The prototypes will be used to test the linings.
For Carlsberg, the innovation is a way to lower its impact on the environment and present consumers with an interesting new option. Fibre bottles are better for the environment than aluminum or glass because they are sourced in a sustainable way, and because the material has a “very low impact on production process,” explained Myriam Shingleton, vice president of group development for Carlsberg.
Carlsberg started working on the new type of packaging in 2015, and is still a few years away – at least – from selling the bottle to customers. One reason that it’s taking so long to develop an effective paper bottle is because Carlsberg needs to make sure that the new package doesn’t alter the taste of its carbonated beverage, and because the types of materials it’s seeking, like the bio-based polymer lining, are not commercially available.
To move things forward, Carlsberg has been partnering with packaging experts and other companies. Carlsberg said that Absolut, Coca-Cola and L’Oréal are joining its efforts to develop effective paper packaging. More partners can help drive up mainstream demand for the type of materials it needs.
Shingleton noted that Carlsberg isn’t hoping to replace its cans and bottles with the new model. Instead, the company wants to offer its customers another option. Carlsberg is not the only company getting creative about its packaging.
Source: Friday Offcuts