REWE has become the first major German supermarket to list olive oil in a paper Frugal Bottle, launching Jordan Olivenöl in a low-carbon format designed to cut carbon emissions and protect product quality.
The 750ml extra virgin olive oil from the Greek island of Lesbos is now available in selected REWE stores nationwide in a bottle made from 94% recycled cardboard.
Developed by British packaging innovator Frugalpac, the Frugal Bottle is five times lighter than glass and delivers an 84% lower carbon footprint compared to a standard single-use glass bottle, according to an independent life cycle assessment by Intertek for the UK market (2020).
Since 1989, the Jordan family has cultivated its own olive groves on Lesbos. Alongside their own groves, they work with around 500 small-scale farming families in the mountain region, partnerships that have been built over generations.
The extra virgin olive oil, made from the Adramitiani and Kolovi varieties and harvested by hand, is now packaged in a 750ml bottle made that weighs just 83 grams, compared to approximately 440 grams for a comparable glass bottle and uses 77% less plastic than PET.
Crucially for olive oil, the Frugal Bottle blocks light completely, protecting against photo-oxidation, one of the primary causes of flavour and nutrient degradation. Unlike traditional glass, the oil can be displayed without being stored in darkness.
To ensure performance matched sustainability, Jordan developed a bespoke, drip-free pourer tailored to olive oil’s viscosity. Inside, a food-safe recyclable mono-material pouch protects the oil.
The paper bottle is Jordan’s latest low carbon packaging innovation as it joins a tinplate cannister (which is recycled at over 90%), a reusable ceramic bottle and a stainless-steel kitchen container.
Sustainability runs through Jordan’s operations, on Lesbos olive pits are turned into knife handles and in winter, the oil mill is heated using olive production residues. Since 2012, Jordan has been a sponsor of the German Sustainability Award.
Bastian Jordan, Olive Farmer (pictured left) said:
“We can’t replace all glass bottles and canisters overnight. But we can start today. The paper bottle is our way of doing that without compromising on the product.”
Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, added:
“Glass is heavy and carbon-intensive. This listing proves that paper bottles are now a scalable, commercially-viable solution for major grocery retail.”
Jordan Olive Oil has been established in Germany for over a decade and is a leading online seller in its category.
It is now available from selected REWE stores nationwide for a six-month pilot scheme RRP: €19.95 and from Jordan’s online shop jordanolivenoel.de