GlassRite: Beer, Cider & Spirits
A large-scale demonstration of the viability and opportunities available to the beer, cider and spirits industry via lightweighting of glass containers.
This project aims to investigate, through trials and research, the technical, economic and practical aspects of lightweighting beer, cider and spirits (whisky, vodka, rum, gin, etc) glass containers. This will contribute significant savings in carbon emissions whilst offering cost and process benefits to the supply chain.
The objectives of the project are to encourage, support and facilitate brand owners, retailers and the associated supply chain to:
- Affect a comprehensive lightweighting and rationalisation programme for brand and own-label lager, ale, cider and spirits containers;
- To investigate the introduction of lightweight generic ale bottles for use by small and medium sized brewers;
- Realise a direct household waste savings of 20,000 tonnes of glass during the project. This will include the lightweighting of glass containers manufactured in the UK, or where necessary, country of origin;
- Investigate 'blue-sky' technology opportunities for the future manufacturer of next generation glass beer, cider and spirits bottles;
- Where applicable, encourage the increased use of recycled glass in beer, cider and spirits containers; and
- Take up and disseminate the findings of the research.
The project started in January 2007, and will be completed at the end of March 2008.
The project trials include engagement with:
- Brand owners
- All major UK glass manufacturers;
- Relevant trade associations;
- Retailers; and
- Fillers and packers.
Trials will include:
- Development of lightweight lager, ale, cider and spirits glass containers;
- Bottle fitness for purpose testing;
- Product protection studies;
- Filling and commercial viability trials;
- Full scale implementation of new products;
- Consumer perception studies; and
- Assessment of cost benefit and carbon savings.
