Bacardi has successfully completed the world’s first commercial production of a glass spirits bottle powered by hydrogen, the company announced yesterday. In a trial with premium glassmaker Hrastnik1860 earlier this month, Bacardi pioneered a new technology using hydrogen as the primary energy source for glass furnaces, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions typically associated with glass bottle production.
The trial, which produced 150,000 of the brand’s 70cl glass bottles for its St-Germain elderflower liqueur, demonstrated the feasibility of hydrogen fuel in reducing environmental impact without compromising the quality of the final product. With hydrogen contributing over 60% of the fuel for the glass furnace, the trial cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30%.
“We will take the learnings from the trial to help shape a pathway to hydrogen-fueled glass production and create a blueprint for others to follow.”
The bottle is set to reach bars and stores in the next few weeks. According to Bacardi, the repurposed bottle will be identical in appearance to its original design produced using traditional methods.
“Piloting this lower carbon glass production is another example of Bacardi leading the industry in environmental best practice,” said Rodolfo Nervi, vice president, safety, quality and sustainability. “We will take the learnings from the trial to help shape a pathway to hydrogen-fueled glass production and create a blueprint for others to follow. It’s only through making change as an industry that we can bring significant change to our impact on the environment.”
Bacardi sets new standards for sustainable packaging
As the largest privately held spirits company, Bacardi produces, markets and distributes wines and spirits across 160 markets globally. It currently comprises more than 200 brands and labels including Bacardi rum, Grey Goose vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin and more.
Hrastnik1860, on the other hand, is a global partner in the development and manufacturing of glass products worldwide. It operates as a full-service solution partner and is known for creating technically demanding bottles mainly for the spirits industry.
“Successfully producing lower emission, premium glass bottles at a commercial scale, with absolutely no compromise on quality, has made all the hard work worthwhile,” said Hrastnik1860 CEO Peter Čas. “Like Bacardi, we are committed to developing new innovations that lower emissions while maintaining premium quality. This revolutionary technology proves the two can go hand in hand and we are now taking the first steps in bringing it to market.”
Bacardi continues to invest in new innovations and explore pioneering technologies in pursuit of becoming the “most environmentally responsible global spirits company”. This trial represents a part of Bacardi’s broader goal of achieving Net Zero.
