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Bacardi Breezer bottles get eco-friendly makeover
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From glass bottles, Bacardi Canada has decided to take a stand for the environment in response to a growing consumer clamor for more environmental-friendly packaging by replacing glass with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles.
This packaging makeover was officially launched for the carbonated Bacardi Breezer product line.
Like most beverage companies, the multi-awarded rum company has packaged its products with glass bottles since 1988. However, the pressing need to adopt greener measures to protect the environment inspired the company’s policy shift from glass to PET, a durable and lightweight type of plastic that is suitable for soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, juices, and water.
As a replacement of glass, PET can withstand high pressures required in carbonated drinks. Most importantly, it is a hundred-percent recyclable and can be made into carpets, polar fleece, and non-woven products.
Bacardi expects to slash its expenditures from PET as well. A case of PET-packaged Bacardi Breezer products weigh only 9.9 kilograms compared to the denser 14.7 kilograms for similar volume of glass-bottled Bacardi Breezers.
Bacardi Canada’s move has been praised and considered an example for other beverage companies to follow. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario has alluded to Bacardi Canada’s example as something that should encourage other companies in order to reduce their carbon footprint and reduce solid waste from the use of conventional glass bottles. Bacardi Canada expects its carbon footprint will be diminished by 22 percent with the packaging switch.
While its competitors have also used PET, Bacardi is the first major Canadian brand to have the packaging of an entire line of beverages switched from glass to PET. Dale Harrison, materials sourcing manager for Bacardi Canada, Inc. says that the replacement has been warmly accepted by its customers. The new packaging creates a Breezer that is light and very ideal for outdoor venues. Of course, the powerful eco-friendly statement signifies the company’s long-term commitment to the environment.
Bacardi is now using a more eco-friendly product to bottle the Breezer. Image courtesy Bacardi.
Why is glass such a bad thing? I personally dislike the plastic bottles and so do most of the people I talk to. I think (as do friends) that it does not taste the same at all nor does it seem to keep cold.
I will purchase the Pomitinis’ or another brand that still uses glass. It is too bad because it was an excellent product.
I purchase items from the health food store that have switched to glass which seems odd. I am aware it costs a little more but EVERYTHING tastes better in glass.
Deborah Bechard
30 St Andrews Place
Chatham, Ont
519-351-4079