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Pernod Ricard partners with ecoSpirits to reduce glass waste in bars
Pernod Ricard is implementing a closed-loop distribution system for bars in Hong Kong and Singapore, reducing carbon emissions and glass waste in the on-trade.
Distribution of Absolut Vodka, Beefeater London Dry Gin, and Havana Club Rum to bars in the two regions will be involved in the company’s pilot scheme, in partnership with ecoSpirits.
The scheme aims to help reduce waste and carbon emissions resulting from the production and transportation of glass bottles and other secondary packaging.
Recent studies by the National Environment Agency estimated that less than 15% of glass in Hong Kong and 11% of the glass in Singapore is recycled, while the rest is sent to landfill.
The new collaboration will see Pernod Ricard’s premium spirits transported in bulk and delivered to bars in fully reusable 4.5-litre glass containers, instead of 75cl glass bottles. Once empty, these containers will be returned, sanitised and refilled for second use.
“The transition to circular is one of the most important movements in the spirits industry today. ‘Circular Making’ offers the prospects of dramatically reducing our industry’s waste and environmental footprint. There is simply no more effective way to do our collective part in supporting the United Nations Development goals and the global drive to Net Zero,” said Paul Gabie, ecoSpirits CEO.
Over 80 bars across Hong Kong and Singapore will be joining the pilot program. The initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated average of 66% across the two cities compared to the traditional packaging and distribution model, according to Pernod Ricard.
“The global bar scene has suffered greatly during the pandemic, and this is all the more true now especially in Hong Kong. We believe in the fortitude and resilience of the industry, and we aim to help alleviate any burden that we can, including helping to introduce sustainable practices to their business in an effective way,” said Hermance de la Bastide, vice president of corporate affairs and sustainability and responsibility at Pernod Ricard.
Read more news on Pernod Ricard here.