Premium and Sustainable? Baileys Trials Premium Aluminium Bottles at Duty-Free

Baileys is leading the charge towards sustainability with its introduction of aluminium bottles, aiming to cut down on waste and carbon emissions in a significant way.

This innovative move by the iconic Irish cream liqueur brand, part of Diageo, represents a departure from traditional glass packaging. The decision to trial aluminium bottles for their 70cl format comes with notable environmental benefits throughout the entire packaging life-cycle.

Unlike the current glass bottles, which weigh 454g, the new aluminium bottles weigh a mere 85g. This substantial reduction in weight, combined with the material change, is expected to result in a remarkable 44% decrease in the carbon footprint of this packaging option.

One of the key advantages of aluminium over glass is its recyclability. While both materials can be recycled, aluminium holds the upper hand as it can be recycled infinitely without any degradation in quality. On the other hand, glass recycling typically involves melting down the material, which requires significant energy inputs and may result in a loss of quality over time. Additionally, aluminium production tends to have a lower environmental impact compared to glass production, further contributing to its sustainability credentials.

However, it's important to note that the new aluminium bottles still include a plastic thread on the bottleneck, weighing 4g. Despite this, they remain easily recyclable alongside household waste, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional glass packaging.

Baileys' commitment to sustainability extends beyond its packaging innovations. As the largest global spirits brand to join the B Corp movement, the company is dedicated to driving positive impact within the community and beyond.

For other players in the drinks industry looking to reduce waste and carbon emissions, exploring alternative packaging materials is a promising avenue. Materials like aluminium, bioplastics, and compostable options offer opportunities to minimise environmental impact while maintaining product integrity.

Furthermore, investing in sustainable sourcing practices, optimising transportation and distribution networks, and implementing energy-efficient manufacturing processes are all strategies that can help reduce the carbon footprint of beverage production.

By prioritising sustainability and embracing innovative solutions, the drinks industry can play a significant role in addressing environmental challenges and creating a more sustainable future for all.