Absolut trials 'industry-first' paper cap and bottle combo

Absolut has taken another step in its sustainable packaging journey by trialling an industry-first paper-based cap designed to complement its fibre-based bottle. The initiative supports the brand’s wider ambition to develop a fully biobased packaging solution.

Developed in partnership with Swedish start-up Blue Ocean Closures (BOC), the new cap is composed of more than 95% FSC-certified fibres and features a thin plastic top-seal barrier. While the current version retains this small plastic component, future iterations aim to replace it with fully renewable materials. The cap is designed to be recyclable as paper in markets with appropriate recycling infrastructure, and its fibre composition offers potential carbon footprint reductions compared to conventional materials such as aluminium.

The paper cap and bottle combination was put to the test in May at the “Absolut The Map” event, where bartenders trialled the design in practical, real-world scenarios. Feedback focused on usability, handling, and overall functionality. The trial forms part of the product development process, which will continue with further testing and a limited in-market pilot.

Lars Sandberg, CEO at Blue Ocean Closures, said: We are proud to partner with Absolut Vodka, a leader when it comes to packaging innovation, in bringing the paper-based cap to life. Real change must be a collective effort, and we are excited to learn from the feedback received by bartenders attending this trial.”

This latest innovation builds on Absolut’s previous packaging efforts. In 2023, the brand launched its “Absolut Paper” bottle in collaboration with Paboco (Paper Bottle Company), trialling single-mould fibre-based bottles in select Tesco stores across the UK. The project received widespread attention for pushing the boundaries of paper-based primary packaging in the spirits sector.

Absolut’s collaboration with BOC represents an effort to address the final piece of the puzzle—developing a viable paper-based closure—to bring the company closer to a fully biobased bottle solution.