The new bottles will be on shelf across the Seagram’s 7 Crown range in the United States from the end of June 2020. A variety of the brand’s formats in glass bottles will remain alongside the new recycled PET bottles. As stated on the product’s label, Diageo encourages consumers to recycle so the material can be used again for bottles or other purposes.
“Great packaging is essential for our brands. Consumers expect our packs to be of the highest quality, while also being functional and sustainable," said Jason Sorley, Brand Director, Diageo North America. "We are very excited to have Seagram’s 7 Crown move to 100% recycled PET, reinforcing our commitment to both innovation and minimizing its environmental footprint.”
Ronald Holmes, Packaging Director, Diageo North America added: “We continue to take an innovative approach towards delivering sustainable packaging designs and are proud that this move supports our goal to increase recycled content across our brands globally to 45%. Using recycled materials to make packaging reduces the carbon footprint of our brands, raises awareness with consumers, and encourages the industry to follow.”
Last year, Diageo announced an investment to reduce the amount of plastics used in its beer packaging operations. It was followed by a Guinness Open Gate Brewery announcement that all Baltimore-brewed limited release canned multipacks available for purchase at the brewery will be sold in ecofriendly carriers as an alternative to the standard plastic rings typically used for beer.
These innovations bring Diageo closer to its ambitious targets for use of plastics. In 2018, Diageo announced new plastics targets for 2025 and beyond. Its targets aim to ensure that 100% of plastics used are designed to be widely recyclable, or reusable or compostable, and made from recycled material. In December 2017, Diageo committed to phasing out the use of plastic straws and stirrers from its offices, events, promotions, advertising and marketing globally – and advocates the same to its partners and customers. Diageo is pleased to be a signatory to Ellen MacArthur New Plastics Economy Global Commitment.
Diageo’s global plastics targets for 2025
- Ensure 100% of our plastic use is designed to be widely recyclable (or reusable/compostable), using plastics that allow for increased consumer recycling rates
- Achieve 40% average recycled content in our plastic bottles - and 100% by 2030
- Continue to invest in circular economy opportunities and other sustainable packaging breakthroughs
- Accelerate our support for recycling by increasing collaboration, particularly where we have influence, and engaging with Governments, peers and consumers to facilitate improved recycling.
www.diageo.com