Carlsberg has launched its biggest international trial to date for its bio-based, fully recyclable fibre bottle.
The Danish brewer will be putting the sustainably packaged beverage in the hands of consumers for the first time since the project began in 2015.
Made from plant-based PEF polymer lining, the natural raw materials are compatible with plastic recycling systems and can also degrade into nature if not properly recycled.
The trial will take place across eight Western European markets testing 8,000 fibre bottles at select festivals and flagship events.
“This pilot will serve a greater purpose in testing the production, performance and recycling of this product at scale,” said Carlsberg VP group development Stephane Munch.
“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.”
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As well as the bottle’s sustainable benefits, it will also improve the insulative properties of the beer inside. The outer shell, which is made from wood fibre, will keep the beer colder for longer than a can or glass bottle would.
Although consumers can expect the same distinctive Carlsberg flavour, the beer inside the new bottles will be brewed with organic and regenerative barley. This will help to improve farmland biodiversity, enhance soil health and increase natural carbon removal by the soil.
Whilst the fibre Bottle is fully recyclable, its current cap means that it is not 100% bio-based as it is needed to ensure the quality of the product. However, Carlsberg Group is hoping to develop a fully fibre-based bottle cap in 2023.
The multinational brewer’s aim, in further development of the product, is for the fibre Bottle to achieve 80% less emissions than current single-use glass bottles.
Carlsberg’s group sustainability director Simon Boas Hoffmeyer added: “We’ve been working hard on this project since 2015, and aim to continue to set the industry standard by further improving the bottle’s environmental footprint and product performance.”
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