Carlsberg has started a consumer trial for its new recyclable, fibre-based bottle.
The Danish brewing giant revealed in 2019 that it was developing the new environmentally-friendly packaging for its beer. The bottle is made from sustainably-sourced wood fibres, with a plant-based PEF polymer lining that allows it to hold fluid. PEF is made from natural raw materials, is compatible with plastic recycling systems, and can degrade into nature should it end up outside national recycling systems.
The bottle, produced by packaging company Paboco, is 100% bio-based apart from the cap. The brewer and its partners are exploring alternative fibre-based bottle caps, with a solution expected in 2023.
Carlsberg’s vision is for the Fibre Bottle to achieve up to 80% less emissions than current single-use glass bottles.
The pilot will see 8,000 Fibre Bottles being sampled in eight Western European markets: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, UK, Poland, Germany and France. The bottles will be placed into the hands of local consumers, customers and other stakeholders through select festivals and flagship events, as well as targeted product samplings.
Stephane Munch, VP Group Development at Carlsberg, said: “We are delighted to bring our new Fibre Bottle into the hands of consumers, allowing them to experience it for themselves. This pilot will serve a greater purpose in testing the production, performance and recycling of this product at scale.
“Identifying and producing PEF, as a competent functional barrier for beer, has been one of our greatest challenges – so getting good test results, collaborating with suppliers and seeing the bottles being filled on the line is a great achievement!”
