Heineken developing low-carbon glass beer bottles

Heineken has announced it is taking part in a study that aims to better understand methods to decarbonise glass production, as the company looks to reduce emissions in the bottling process.

Partnering with not-for-profit research technology organisation (RTO) Glass Futures and Heineken’s supplier Encirc, the venture seeks to create low-carbon glass bottles by developing technology and improving processes across manufacturing and the supply chain.

Within the study, the company has replaced conventional natural gas with biofuel and increased recycled content for its bottles up to 100% to produce low-carbon bottles. It is claimed that for every 10% increase in recycled glass, the company can reduce emissions by 5%.

The trial, which is in its early stages, will see 1.4 million bottles of Heineken low-carbon beer bottles produced, with the intent of hitting the UK market early 2021.

Anca Olteanu, Heineken Strategic Sourcing Director Packaging, said that since 30% of the company’s carbon footprint comes from packaging, its ambition is to decrease emissions by embedding circularity of its products.

“Glass is infinitely recyclable with the potential to become truly circular. We will also need help from our consumers to responsibly dispose their glass bottles so they can find their way back into new packaging and close the loop.”

Glass Futures’ Chief Executive Richard Katz said he was “delighted to be collaborating with one of the biggest global drinks brands on projects such as this trial which is already well on the way to setting new standards in lower carbon glass products and processes. This pilot is helping the sector move towards a more sustainable, zero-carbon future and demonstrates very clearly what can be achieved when the industry, partners and funders all work together.”

Image supplied by Heineken.