Innonature Packaging Solutions has converted ‘sustainably sourced’ cork into a reusable and recyclable sleeve for wine and spirits bottles, recently launching the solution with Dubai Duty Free.
In line with Europe’s legislative mandate for all packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2030, the sleeve is designed to be both reusable and recyclable. Cork itself is said to be renewable; it can reportedly be harvested without cutting down trees.
Harvested cork – sourced from quercus suber or ‘cork oak’ trees in this case – is thought to absorb 3-5 times more CO2 than its unharvested equivalent.
According to the company, a single cork oak tree can be safely harvested every 7-9 years and up to 17 times once they reach maturity. This is hoped to ensure a long-term and environmentally sound supply.
Innonature Packaging Solutions adds that its cork is sourced from responsibly managed forests, and that its Portuguese manufacturer is FSC-certified. It says that this company was the first in its sector to achieve FSC certification, holds ISO 45001 and SA 8000 certifications, and prioritizes renewable energy sources, including solar power and biomass from cork dust generated during production.
Furthermore, the sleeve’s light weight, moisture resistance, and flat-pack capabilities are intended to lower transport emissions and optimize logistics.
It also features a QR code to walk consumers through the material’s origins, ways to reuse or return the sleeve, and the environmental impact of its purchase. Additionally, it can be customized to suit an individual customer’s needs.
Described as ‘authentic, tactile, and radically simple’, the Suber Sleeve is recommended for organic wineries, spirit brands, retailers, and gourmet shops with an interest in environmentally conscious packaging, as well as logistics and shipping applications.
“The Suber Sleeve is more than packaging,” says Gabriela Steiner-Zajax, co-founder and CEO of Innonature Packaging Solutions. “It shows that brands are serious about reducing waste and embracing innovation.”
“The Suber Sleeve is a welcome addition for our customers to protect their Liquor purchases in a more eco-conscious way,” adds Michael Schmidt, SVP – Retail Sales, Dubai Duty Free. “We are constantly looking at ways to improve our eco-friendly practices and this is a good step in the right direction.”
Previous efforts to rethink travel-format alcohol packaging include 100% post-consumer recycled bottles of Sustainaholics’ spirits range sold on select easyJet flights; and 70cl aluminium bottles of Diageo’s Baileys Original Irish Cream liqueur, sold at Amsterdam Schipol and Frankfurt and Copenhagen’s international airports in a bid to cut carbon emissions by 44%.
Since then, Crealis Group has sought to replace the plastic sparkling foils used for wine packaging with an FSC-certified paper and aluminium alternative, while Aldi is completely removing protective sleeves over the corks of its own-label wines.
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