How would you describe your company’s current approach to sustainability, and what recent actions have you taken to strengthen your role in the circular economy?
Sustainability is a given at Monkey 47. It reflects our deep connection to the Black Forest, which is known for its pristine landscapes and biodiversity. By choosing materials that are renewable, biodegradable and responsibly sourced, we ensure that our packaging aligns with our values of protecting the planet. The evolution with our new Sloe Gin bottle is part of a broader commitment to sustainability that goes beyond short-term trends, helping us contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.
What key sustainability milestones has your company achieved in the past few years? How have these millstones shaped your current practice?
Our key sustainability milestones have shaped our current practices by embedding energy efficiency into our core operations, strengthening our collaborations (both local and globally) for greater sustainability, and committing to sustainable local sourcing, all of which contribute to reducing our environmental impact. For example, we’ve significantly reduced our energy consumption by upgrading equipment and implementing energy-saving technologies, leading to a lower carbon footprint and lower operational costs. And by sourcing products closer to our home, we’ve reduced transportation-related emissions and supported local economies.
What materials are incorporated into the labels of the new bottle, and how do these materials contribute to sustainability?
The old label was made with FSC-certified paper, which ensured it was sourced responsibly from well-managed forests. It was cream-coloured and uncoated with a matte surface a felt like texture, so it had a rougher feel. The new label has a smoother feel but improves sustainability by reducing the need for new raw materials and reducing waste. It incorporates more recycled materials (40 per cent post-consumer recycled fibre) and uses waste from lemon production, which would otherwise be discarded (15 per cent lemon leftovers by-product). This means we use 45 per cent virgin wood pulp rather than 100 per cent, reducing the label’s environmental impact further.
How does the use of citrus fruit leftovers and recycled fibres align with the brand's environmental goals?
Using citrus fruit leftovers and recycled fibres reinforces our long-standing commitment to minimising waste and maximising the use of available resources. In addition to our labels, we only use FSC-certified paper for packaging, ensuring that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests that meet the highest environmental and social standards.
In what way does the cork used in Monkey 47 Sloe Gin bottles differ from traditional corks regarding carbon absorption?
The cork used in Monkey 47 Sloe Gin bottles is the same as traditional corks – they are naturally harvested and CO2-absorbent. Using 100% natural cork supports environmental sustainability by contributing to carbon retention during its lifecycle. It is carbon-negative as it takes several years for a cork tree’s bark to mature, during which time it absorbs CO2 and releases oxygen.
Why is it important for companies like Monkey 47 to prioritise eco-friendly packaging solutions?
We aim to create products that not only meet the highest quality standards but also reflect our dedication to preserving natural resources and minimising waste. By choosing materials that are renewable, biodegradable and responsibly sourced, we ensure that our packaging aligns with our values of protecting the planet. This evolution is part of a broader commitment to sustainability that goes beyond short-term trends, helping us contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Can you explain the significance of using 95% post-consumer recycled glass in the manufacturing of Monkey 47 Sloe Gin bottles?
We’ve embarked on this initiative to evolve our packaging because we believe that sustainability is a responsibility we all share. As a brand, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact, and packaging plays a significant role in that elort. Our Sloe Gin bottles are made of 95% recycled glass (all of it post-consumer-recycled). We also reduce waste during glass production because the rejection rate is lower, and more optical deviations are accepted.
How does the total recycled content of the new bottle compare to that of the previous version?
The new bottle contains 95% recycled content (all of it post-consumer-recycled (PCR) – a significant increase from the previous version, which contained only 18% recycled material. This represents a major shift towards sustainability, as the new bottle is now made from substantially more recycled materials than its predecessor. This change indicates a substantial move towards reducing the environmental impact of the product by reusing materials that would otherwise end up as waste. The high PCR content also aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where products are designed to be reused and recycled, minimizing the need for virgin resources.
“Sustainability is a given at Monkey 47. It reflects our deep connection to the Black Forest, which is known for its pristine landscapes and biodiversity. By choosing renewable materials that are responsibly sourced, we ensure that our packaging aligns with our values of protecting the planet. The evolution with this new bottle is part of a broader commitment to sustainability that goes beyond short-term trends, helping us contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
For more information, please visit www.monkey47.com