Johnny Walker goes green with paper packaging

In the United Kingdom, libations leader Diageo announced it has created paper-based packaging for spirits, which it will roll out for the popular Johnnie Walker brand in early 2021.

Developed in partnership with Pilot Lite, the packaging is made entirely from sustainably sourced wood.

“We are constantly striving to push the boundaries within sustainable packaging and this bottle has the potential to be truly ground-breaking. It feels fitting that we should launch it with Johnnie Walker, a brand that has often led the way in innovation throughout its 200 years existence,” says Ewan Andrew, Chief Sustainability Officer, Diageo PLC, in a press statement.

Diageo and Pilot Lite have also launched Pulpex Limited, a sustainable packaging technology company, to expand applications for the technology. A consortium has already been established with non-competing companies, including Unilever and PepsiCo. Unilever is working to reduce its use of virgin plastic by more than 100,000 tonnes in the next five years.

Diageo’s brands also include Smirnoff and Guinness.