Pernod Ricard’s Sustainable Innovation Impresses Bartenders in Real-World Test
In a major step towards sustainable liquor packaging, Pernod Ricard has successfully completed trials for a new paper-based bottle closure for its globally renowned Absolut Vodka brand. Developed in collaboration with Swedish innovator Blue Ocean Closures (BOC), the cap is crafted from over 95% FSC-certified fiber and designed to be recyclable as paper in facilities equipped for mixed material processing.
The new closure was recently tested in real-world conditions by bartenders during Absolut’s ‘Absolut The Map’ event, with promising results. Designed to match the performance of traditional closures in terms of durability and handling, the trial confirms its readiness for limited market rollout. While the current version still contains a thin plastic seal, Absolut aims to replace this with a fully bio-based alternative in the near future—further reducing environmental impact and carbon footprint compared to traditional aluminum caps.
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A Sustainable Future for Spirit Packaging
This initiative builds on Absolut’s earlier 2023 paper bottle pilot in Tesco stores across the UK, and is part of the brand’s larger vision to lead sustainable innovation in the global spirits industry. Louise Werner, Director of Future Packaging at Absolut, called the fibre-based cap the “final piece of the puzzle” toward achieving 100% renewable packaging across the product line.
With further testing and quality refinement underway, Absolut plans a limited in-market release of the new closures. As the spirits industry continues to face mounting pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices, this innovation positions Absolut at the forefront of responsible packaging—paving the way for a greener future in liquor manufacturing.
