100% PCR for 360 Vodka

Launched in 2007 by the McCormick Distilling Co. and marketed as the first “green” vodka, 360 Vodka points to its use of recycled glass and its financial support for environmental initiatives,among other initiatives, to support its claim to sustainability. As it transitions some of its packaging from glass to plastics and offers new bottles sizes, the company has introduced a 50ml bottle injection blowmolded of 100% post-consumer recyclate (PCR) polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Amcor PET Packaging (Ann Arbor, MI) is processing the bottles for the distillery.

According to Amcor, these are the first 100% PCR containers to be used in the liquor industry. Amcor last year claimed another PCR first with 100% PCR bottles for household cleanser. “Rather than merely provide PCR to customers upon request, we are actively encouraging increased usage of PCR in products,” said Dave Clark, director of sustainability. The processor has access to its own supply of FDA-approved food-grade PCR from a facility in Darlington, SC run by recycled plastics supplier PolyQuest. The bottles for 360 Vodka are processed at Amcor’s Nicholasville, KY facility.

The distiller also pushed its closure molded to mold caps of HDPE, replacing PP, because of PE’s greater acceptability with many recycling operations. It has said that it may make PCR-PET the standard for all of its 80ml bottles across its full range of liquor brands, and include at least 25% PCR-PET in larger bottles. —[email protected]