Diageo successfully trials Encirc biofuel-powered glass with 90% lower carbon footprint

In the UK, Diageo has collaborated on an innovation trial with Encirc to make the most sustainable glass Scotch whisky bottles ever. The collaboration with glass manufacturer Encirc and leading industry research and technology body Glass Futures, used waste-based biofuel-powered furnaces to reduce the carbon footprint of the bottle-making process by up to 90%.

For the purposes of the trial, Diageo used its Black & White Scotch whisky brand – famous for its label featuring a West Highland terrier and a Scotty dog, and which is a popular and growing whisky in key global export markets.

The trial produced 173,000 Black & White bottles, also using 100% recycled glass, making the batch the most environmentally-friendly ever produced for a Scotch whisky brand.

Further work now needs to be done to develop and scale the trial for future production, but it represents a significant step forward in Diageo’s drive to transform the sustainability of its grain-to-glass supply chain.

It has supported Glass Futures from concept and following the success of the trial, Diageo has agreed a 10-year partnership to accelerate collaboration and innovation in the glass industry.