Bacardi expands reusable packaging to reduce single-use glass

Bacardi has signed a new global agreement with ecoSPIRITS, expanding its collaboration with the circular packaging technology provider and broadening access to its reusable packaging platform.

The family-owned spirits company will gain access to the full ecoSPIRITS technology portfolio under the licensing agreement, including the ecoTOTE™, SmartPour™, ecoPLANT™ and CircularONE™ software platform.

The announcement builds on a partnership that began in 2023, when Bacardi introduced ecoSPIRITS' circular packaging system within the cruise sector in collaboration with Carnival Cruise Line. The initiative centred on BACARDÍ Carta Blanca rum and was designed to assess the viability of reusable packaging in high-volume onboard operations.

According to the companies, the programme has replaced more than 130,000 single-use glass bottles and reduced packaging waste by more than 82,000kg since the pilot was introduced.

The new agreement provides a framework for Bacardi to assess wider use of the technology across additional brands, sales channels and market sectors over time. The companies said the collaboration reflects increasing interest in reducing reliance on single-use glass packaging through more circular distribution models.

The agreement also formalises an ongoing technical collaboration between the two businesses. Bacardi contributed to the development of the ecoTOTE 3.0SC Cruise Edition, a reusable container designed for cruise operations with enhanced corrosion resistance and compliance with US Public Health hygiene requirements.

The companies said they will continue working together on packaging technologies for operational environments including cruise ships, resorts and other high-volume hospitality venues.

At Bacardi, Good Spirited is about making better choices for both people and planet, while continuing to grow our business the right way. Expanding our work in circular packaging builds on real progress we’ve already made to reduce waste across our portfolio and reflects our ambition to keep raising the bar. This agreement shows how collaboration and innovation can help accelerate positive change at scale.

Rodolfo Nervi, VP, Corporate Sustainability, Global Safety & Quality, Bacardi.

The partnership forms part of Bacardi's Good Spirited sustainability programme, which includes initiatives aimed at reducing packaging waste and environmental impact across its portfolio. The company has also introduced measures such as increasing the use of reusable, recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials, removing plastic pourers from bottles, and reducing plastic used in secondary packaging and point-of-sale materials.