The Rise of Sustainable Spirits Packaging

It’s been nearly a year since the Plastic Packaging Tax was introduced and the impact has swept across the country. Other environmental pressures are coming from Government commitments to achieving net zero by 2050, and the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging in 2024 – however, the bigger picture is always more complicated. There’s a sharp shift to choosing sustainable packaging, especially within the online spirit’s market.

The Growing Ecommerce Spirits Market

The ecommerce spirits market has been rapidly growing over the years, and like other industries, growth surged throughout the pandemic. Currently the ecommerce spirits market is expected to account for nearly half of online sales by 2026. It’s no surprise when convenient, at home delivery has become the go-to for customers whilst they relax at home in their pj’s. But when primary packaging of spirits is so fragile to ship, how can we ensure goods are delivered in perfect condition?

Protective Spirits Packaging

From dropped boxes to over-packed delivery trucks, there’s an array of disasters that could easily impact your shipment. Your initial thought might be wrapping your spirits in bubble wrap for that extra protection. The only problem is with more than 3 billion parcels being sent each year within the UK, packaging is fast becoming an ecological nightmare.

Packaging Solutions for Spirits

In the spirits market, 20-40% of packaging is associated with the spirits markets total carbon footprint. So, finding a balance between choosing packaging that protects a product without causing unnecessary damage to the environment has never been greater.

Gone are the days of sticking your product in a standard box and filling it with bubble wrap. In today’s competitive post-pandemic ecommerce world, spirit brands are under pressure to box up sustainability, presentation, and protection in their packaging.

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of single-use plastics and their effects on the environment and are starting to crave sustainable packaging that stands out of the box. A recent report shows that 86% of consumers among younger generations (<45) showed a willingness to pay more for sustainable packaging, whilst 57% of consumers are “less likely” to buy products in harmful packaging. It doesn’t just stop there, 68% of consumers have chosen a product in the last six months based on its sustainability credentials. If that doesn’t make you want to jump to green, then we don’t know what will!

Sustainable Spirits Packaging

Sustainable sourcing of packaging options is key. Look to opt for packaging that contains recycled content and in turn can be recycled. Not only will you be seen doing your part, but you can also make use of reduced shipping costs of lighter materials and bulk packaging options.

Corrugated cardboard boxes are a great choice for every step of your packaging process. Their key benefits include:

• It has the least environmental impacts associated with it.
• 100% recyclable and biodegradable.
• Minimises waste generation for you and your consumers.
• Doesn’t lose durability or resistance when recycled.
• Saves energy through manufacturing and transporting.

Eco-Friendly Bespoke Packaging Solutions

However, when it comes to the online spirits markets, there’s not one size fits all. Bespoke packaging could revolutionise your spirit’s brand and your packaging operations. When you opt for bespoke corrugated cardboard packaging, you’re choosing something that’s fully customisable and completely suited to your brand, product, and consumer’s needs. Although initial costs may be higher than your standard cardboard box, you will reap from long term benefits:

1. Reduced Damage

Bespoke packaging is designed specifically for your product, ensuring the best protection with a snug fit. In turn, this means fewer returns and no need to pay extra for in-fill materials.

2. Improve Productivity

The correct packaging or self-seal closures, mean less time spent on packing operations in your warehouse, so you can increase productivity and get those goods out as quickly as the orders come in.

3. Minimise Space

Compact bespoke packaging takes up less space in delivery vehicles and storage in warehouses by maximising pallet space. Therefore, you’ll save on fuel and transport costs, whilst reducing your carbon footprint. A win, win.

4. Boost Customer Experience

Visually appealing, easy to open, return and dispose of leads to happy consumers. You can create a real WOW factor with bespoke packaging, making them long for more!

Corrugated cardboard is a top material choice for bespoke packaging, due to its highly flexible properties and being able to be engineered and cut into any size or shape.

Premium Product, Premium Packaging

Premium spirits have long been associated with heavy bottles and gift boxes. Even so, in 2017, the UK Recycling Association declared whisky a “recycling villain”. The main culprit was those cylindrical tubes, that feature metal lids and bonded metal bases. The cardboard tubes would usually be recycled, but the metal could not.

One Scotch whisky producer who is looking to change the sustainable packaging future us Nc’Nean, who have already achieved a net zero status. Whilst using 100% renewable energy to create their organic whisky and using 100% post-consumer recycled glass, they added their eco ethos into their optional gift packaging – a cardboard gift tube that’s made in the UK from 90% recycled materials.

Other brands are taking sustainable bespoke packaging even further. Audemus Spirits Pink Pepper Gin has developed uniquely branded packaging that meets the demands of customers, whilst reducing packaging waste. Their carefully crafted outer packaging, opens to reveal a second section that holds their Pink Pepper Gin. The inner box flattens out and can be re-folded to form six pages that showcase different cocktails and a guide to the perfect G&T. The packaging is sustainably sourced and fully recyclable, featuring vegetable-based ink branding.

Don’t get left behind. Big players in beer, wine and spirits are making commitments to reduce packaging and choose sustainable alternatives. So, whether you’re looking at packaging solutions for beer, wine, and spirits we have packaging solutions for you.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.