Award-winning distiller Salcombe Gin has launched its new range of 5cl aluminium miniature bottles. This marks a major milestone in their sustainable packaging journey, securing new listings with Virgin Wines, P&O Cruises and Great Western Railway (GWR) as a direct result of the innovation.
The new lightweight and ultra compact 100% post-consumer recycled aluminium bottles are the lowest environmental impact spirit miniatures available on the market. They are made entirely from aluminium that has reached the end of its useful life and been remade into an infinitely recyclable format.
The post-consumer recycled aluminium used in each bottle generates up to 90% less CO₂ than traditional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or glass, helping Salcombe Gin dramatically reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining its premium aesthetic. At 54% lighter than glass, the move from glass to aluminium also reduces emissions throughout Salcombe Gin’s supply chain from production all the way through to delivery.
A pioneering packaging approach, it has already opened new opportunities for the Devon-based distillery that brings Salcombe Gin’s award-winning spirits to an even wider audience. The new miniatures were launched with Virgin Wines at Christmas, made available onboard P&O Cruises and are now served in Great Western Railway’s Pullman Dining Car where their lightweight and shatterproof design makes them ideal for travel retail.
Available in the aluminium miniatures is Salcombe Gin ‘Start Point’ (44% ABV) their multi- award-winning, exceptionally smooth citrus led London Dry gin and Salcombe Gin ‘Rosé Sainte Marie’ (41.4% ABV), a delicate and fresh Mediterranean Dry Rosé Gin.
Both gins are available in the 5cl aluminium miniatures and a new 5cl twin gift set.
Angus Lugsdin, Co-Founder and Director of Salcombe Gin, comments: “Moving to 100% post-consumer recycled aluminium bottles is far more than a packaging change, it’s a strategic shift towards reducing our carbon footprint and the environmental impact of each bottle that we sell. The fact that this change has already led to new partnerships with Virgin Wines, P&O Cruises and Great Western Railway shows that the industry is ready to embrace more sustainable solutions.”
Angus continues: “Post-consumer recycled aluminium is infinitely recyclable, lightweight and part of a circular economy, meaning every bottle has lived a previous life. By making this move, we’re proud to be reducing our environmental impact.”
Sarah Creaser, Catering Operations Manager at Great Western Railway adds: “We're delighted to partner with craft distillery Salcombe Gin, a fellow regional business that shares our commitment to supporting its community, and as sustainably as possible.
“Rail plays a vital role in supporting the national, and local economies, and this partnership enhances that connection while offering our customers an award-winning, locally produced drink to enjoy during their journey."
Through its ongoing partnership with the Marine Conservation Society, Salcombe Gin continues to donate 1% of every bottle of ‘Start Point’ sold to support marine conservation efforts as part of its ‘1% for the Ocean’ initiative.