US – Bermuda-based spirits company Bacardi has announced that it is eliminating plastic pourers from its bottles in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Spain and Portugal.
According to the company, the move will help the firm cut about 140 tonnes of single-use plastic per annum. The company has already started the removal process.
Bacardi said it will eliminate plastic pourers of all 1.75l bottles of BACARDÍ rum, including Superior, Gold and Coconut, in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico by early 2023, reducing 76 tonnes of plastic per annum.
Over the next six months, the company will remove plastic pourers from all brands in its portfolio in Spain and Portugal.
Bacardi global safety, quality and sustainability Vice President Rodolfo Nervi said: “We are making this bold move because it’s the right thing to do for the planet.
“As a family-owned company for more than 160 years, pioneering change is in our DNA and we’re proud to be leading the industry as we take another huge step towards achieving our commitment to being 100% plastic free by 2030.”
According to Bacardi, plastic non-refillable fitment (NRF) is commonplace across the spirits industry.
It is found in the neck of several of the company’s drink brands, including BACARDÍ rum, MARTINI Fiero, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin and DEWAR’S White Label blended Scotch whisky.
The Bermuda-based firm said it is exploring whether the plastic can be eliminated or substituted with a more sustainable alternative.
Bacardi aims to reach a milestone in 2023 by eliminating all single-use plastic from its gift packs and point-of-sale materials.
Nervi further added: “Consumers will continue to enjoy the same exceptional quality and taste from our entire portfolio of brands as we continue on our journey to a more sustainable future.”
Bacardi has previously introduced biodegradable bottles to combat pollution and is attempting to align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with its Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) commitments.
The spirit giant introduced 100% biodegradable in 2020, bottles that will replace 80 million plastic bottles – 3,000 tons of plastic – currently produced by Bacardi across its portfolio of brands every year.
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