English gin makers introduces paper bottles

Two English gin distillers have introduced paper bottles to their ranges in a bid to reduce their carbon footprints.

Norfolk-based craft distiller Gyre & Gimble is launching a paper bottle edition of its new Coastal Gin with Naked Wines.

Available exclusively to Naked Wines' UK members, the paper bottle is produced by Frugalpac in Suffolk. It's made from 94 per cent recycled paper, with a recyclable plastic pouch to hold the gin. It is five times lighter, and has a carbon footprint six times smaller, than a traditional glass spirits bottle. This is a first-time partnership for the two Norfolk firms, but has also seen strong interest from both their fan bases.

Gyre & Gimble Coastal Gin is made with botanicals including dulse seaweed and locally foraged rock samphire and lavender. A sprinkling of salt is also added after distillation to enhance the gin's flavours. 

Craig Allison, co-founder at Gyre & Gimble, said: "We’ve always wanted to prioritise ethical, sustainable production and this partnership with Naked is a massive step for us towards that goal. Changing consumer behaviour is a real challenge for a small independent business like ours, but with the support of an industry heavyweight like Naked on board, we can reach a lot more people."

Matt Smith, buying director at Naked Wines, added: "Gyre & Gimble is our local distillery and we share a sustainable ethos. I was blown away by the quality and style of the gin and knew we had a chance to do something really special together."

Meanwhile, Greenall's has also announced a switch to Frugalpac paper bottles. The Greener Greenall's Paper Bottle will be available for UK customers to purchase in supermarkets and other drinks retailers. Launched in a 700ml format, the bottles will appear in Sainsbury's stores nationwide in October before a roll-out in select countries Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

Introduced as part of the Greener Greenall's campaign, the paper bottle is a significant step in the historic brand's journey to reduce its carbon emissions. 

Russell Smith, global brand lead for Greenall’s, said: "With climate change a continued growing threat, we recognise that we need to do our best to reduce our environmental footprint... We know there is much more we need to do, so we are creating a roadmap for the brand that will lead us to reduce our carbon emissions to net zero."

The first spirits brand to use a Frugalpac bottle was Silent Pool Distillers, which launched its Green Man Woodland Gin in the paper-based bottle to mark Earth Day 2021.

29 July 2022 - Bethany Whymark