Carlsberg is to trial its first bio-based bottle in the UK.
Fibre Bottle samples will be exclusively available in selected countries, which will include the UK, as well as Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, and Poland.
In a statement, the company said the most significant innovation to the fibre bottle is the plant-based lining within. This PEF lining, made entirely from natural raw materials, protects the taste and carbonation of the beer. The outer shell of the bottle is made with sustainably sourced wood fibre and due to its insulating properties, it may keep the beer cold for longer compared to cans or glass bottles.
The beer within the fibre bottle is made with barley grown using more sustainable farming methods, the company said. As well as removing carbon from the air naturally, these new farming methods also enhance soil health and improve farmland biodiversity.
They added: “Carlsberg’s ultimate vision is for the Fibre Bottle to achieve up to 80% less emissions than current single-use glass bottles, which means that for the carbon footprint of every single-use glass bottle created, five fibre bottles could be created. Following product sampling and feedback gathering in the eight markets, Carlsberg will improve the design further, and continue working towards its ambition to make these bottles more widely available over time.
“The fibre bottle is the latest sustainable innovation driven by Carlsberg, following the launch of Snap Pack, which removed the need for plastic rings on small packs, the use of reclaimed barley, and a number of other contributions from The Carlsberg Foundation – an organisation that funds supporting visionary and innovative basic scientific research that makes us smarter, addresses global challenges, produces growth and welfare, and is universally beneficial.”
Sam Johnson, UK Head of Marketing at Carlsberg, said: “A commitment to innovation and progress is part of Carlsberg’s DNA and the new Fibre Bottle is the latest example of that.
“The bottle is the result of years of passion, hard work and collaboration – and another step forward in our journey to reduce the impact of our packaging. Getting these bottles in the hands of consumers to experience it for themselves is the next stage in the development and we’re delighted to be taking part in the trial.”
