Sustainable beverage packaging is becoming increasingly important as both companies and consumers focus on reducing environmental impacts. Various materials like metal, glass, plastic, and paper are being reimagined to meet sustainability goals, while deposit return schemes (DRS) are gaining popularity as a way to encourage recycling.
Metal Packaging
Aluminium cans have long been a popular choice for beverage packaging due to their high recyclability. Aluminium is infinitely recyclable, meaning it can be reused without losing quality. This makes it a sustainable option for beverage containers, as recycled cans use up to 95% less energy than producing new ones. The lightweight nature of aluminium also contributes to reduced carbon emissions during transport, making it a strong contender in the sustainability race.
Eco-functional drinks brand Water Almighty have announced the launch of two innovative aluminium-bottled waters. Melvin Jay, founder of Water Almighty, commented: " Our aluminium bottles offer a real solution to the plastic crisis, being endlessly recyclable and reusable. We're proving that consumers and retailers don't have to choose between health, convenience, and environmental responsibility—they can have it all in one mighty package."
Glass Packaging
Glass bottles, while heavier than other materials, offer a long-term sustainability advantage due to their ability to be reused and recycled. Many beverage companies are moving towards using more recycled glass, which lowers energy consumption and reduces the need for raw materials like sand. However, the weight of glass bottles can increase carbon emissions during transportation, which is one of the key challenges the industry is trying to overcome.
Ardagh Glass Packaging-Europe have launched a new lightweight range of standard wine bottles produced in Germany for the European market. Stuart Santon, Chief Commercial Officer, AGP-Europe said: “These new lightweight wine bottles in a range of colours and finishes offer our customers versatility and choice, while reducing the carbon footprint of their glass packaging”.
Plastic Packaging
Plastic, particularly PET (polyethylene terephthalate), is widely used in the beverage industry because it is lightweight, durable, and inexpensive. While plastic has a negative reputation due to pollution, advances in recycling technology are helping to reduce its environmental impact. Companies are developing more recyclable plastic packaging and increasing the use of recycled content in new bottles. Some are even exploring biodegradable or compostable plastics. However, improving recycling rates and reducing single-use plastics remain critical for long-term sustainability.
Zotefoams is currently in the latter stages of developing ReZorce for beverage carton applications and is preparing for trials with a north European supermarket chain. Currently available aseptic beverage cartons are produced from composite layers of wood fibre, aluminium and polymer bonded together. Unlike ReZorce, these composite materials cannot be recycled through mainstream processes. ReZorce on the other hand has a mono-material design which leads to excellent performance in standard Material Recovery Facilities.
Neil Court-Johnston, President of Zotefoams’ MuCell Extrusion LLC business unit, said “Where reusable packaging isn’t an option, brand owners need alternatives that are easily recyclable through existing infrastructure and can be used in the same application time and again, with a reduced environmental impact. ReZorce is just such a material, and adopters will benefit from lower EPR fees, while knowing that they are doing the right thing for the environment.”
Paper-Based Packaging
Paper-based alternatives, such as cartons and newly developed paper bottles, are gaining attention as eco-friendly options. These materials, often used for milk, juice, and water, are designed to be easily recyclable and compostable. Paper packaging typically uses less energy in production compared to glass and metal. However, most paper cartons are lined with plastic or aluminium, to prevent leaks, which can complicate recycling efforts.
KinsBrae Packaging manufactures KB Bottles - the world's first commercially available paper bottle designed for non-carbonated beverages and oils. Made from 100% recycled paperboard, they are five times lighter than a normal glass bottle, weighing just 83g. KB Bottles have a carbon footprint up to six times lower than a glass bottle; they use 77% less plastic than a plastic bottle, and their water footprint is four times lower than a typical glass bottle.
Deposit Return Schemes (DRS)
Deposit return schemes (DRS) are increasingly being adopted in countries around the world to incentivize recycling. Consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing a beverage and can reclaim it when they return the container. These schemes have proven effective in increasing recycling rates for plastic, metal, and glass containers. Countries like Germany, Norway, and Lithuania have reported recycling rates of over 90% with DRS in place. As more countries implement similar systems, DRS is expected to play a significant role in reducing packaging waste.
Labour environment minister, Mary Creagh, indicated she would stick with Conservative proposals to exclude glass from the Deposit Return Schemes in England and Northern Ireland. It was widely hoped that Labour ministers would follow the approach taken across much of Europe, by including glass bottles within England’s scheme, paving the way for a consistent approach across the United Kingdom.
Owen Derbyshire, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, said:
“Creating an ambitious and glass-inclusive deposit return scheme is vital for protecting both people and the planet. The Welsh Government's proposals, which include glass, offer a ready to-go blueprint for the rest of the UK, enabling us to meet the clear calls from the public to ensure we have maximum possible protections for the environment. Ministers should carefully consider how they will ensure adequate levels of protection are achieved in the absence of a wide-ranging deposit return scheme like we see across much of Europe.”
Sustainable beverage packaging is advancing rapidly across different materials and systems. Whether through improved recyclability, reduced material usage, or innovative return schemes, the industry is moving toward a future where environmental impact is significantly reduced.