Global drinks giant Diageo has announced the launch of what it claims is the world’s first 100% plastic-free paper-based spirits bottle made from sustainably sourced wood.

The bottle, due to launch in early 2021, will feature flagship Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker.

Ewan Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer, Diageo PLC, said: “We’re proud to have created this world first. We are constantly striving to push the boundaries within sustainable packaging and this bottle has the potential to be truly ground-breaking.

“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.”

Sustainable packaging technology company Pulpex Lite, a partnership between Diageo and venture management firm Pilot Lite, created the bottle.

Made from sustainably sourced pulp to meet food-safe standards, the bottle is also expected to be fully recyclable in standard waste streams.

Pulpex Lite has drawn together a consortium of heavyweight FMCG companies including Unilever and PepsiCo to further the technology, which allows brands ‘to rethink their packaging designs, or move existing designs into paper, while not compromising on the existing quality of the product’.

Consortium partners are expected to launch their own branded paper bottles based on the design and technology later this year.

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

Image courtesy of Diageo/PR Newswire.