Absolut Vodka has announced a new paper-based cap and bottle duo as part of its Future Packaging Programme, two years after the brand first unveiled its paper-based bottle at select Tesco stores. 
 
In collaboration with Swedish start-up Blue Ocean Closures, the cap is made with 95% FSC-certified fibres and a thin top seal barrier made of plastic. 
 
Absolut has not yet disclosed what percentage of paper the bottle contains, though a previous iteration of the bottle was 57% paper with an integrated plastic barrier, according to the brand’s website. 
 
At this percentage, the bottle could be recycled kerbside in the Greater Manchester Area. Other consumers were encouraged to reach out to Absolut to find out how to properly recycle the bottle. 
 
Drinks Retailing has queried the paper percentage of the current bottle. 
 
On the paper cap, Absolut revealed its long-term ambition to replace the current plastic with bio-based material to ensure the entire cap is made of renewable material. 
 
Presently, the paper-based cap can be recycled “as paper in markets that have recycling systems in place that can separate paper from other materials”. 
 
The brand said it hopes to empower consumers and fellow brands to commit to more conscious choices around the packaging of their spirits. 
 
The bottle and cap duo has been trialled by select bartenders, to be followed by further quality testing and a limited in-market trial. 
 
Louise Werner, director of future packaging at Absolut, said: “2023 saw the development of the Absolut paper-based bottle, a pioneering initiative that helped us push boundaries towards our fully biobased bottle. However, the final piece of the puzzle remained. Creating real impact is hard and change can only come about as a collective endeavour so we are thrilled to partner with Blue Ocean Closures to help us on the journey.”  

Lars Sandberg, CEO at Blue Ocean Closures, commented: “We are proud to partner with Absolut Vodka, a leader when it comes to packaging innovation, in bringing the paper-based cap to life. Real change must be a collective effort, and we are excited to learn from the feedback received by bartenders attending this trial.”