Absolut Vodka’s trials for paper-based closure successful

Pernod Ricard has conducted a successful trial of a paper-based bottle closure for its Absolut vodka brand, a significant step towards sustainable packaging. Developed in collaboration with Swedish start-up Blue Ocean Closures (BOC), the cap made from over 95 percent FSC-certified fibre, was tested by bartenders during the brand’s ‘Absolut The Map’ event last month.

The trial aimed to evaluate the cap’s performance, handling, and durability in real service conditions. The current design includes a thin plastic top-seal, which Absolut plans to eventually replace with a fully bio-based alternative. Recyclable as paper in facilities capable of handling mixed materials, the closure also boasts a lower carbon footprint than traditional aluminium caps.

This innovation complements Absolut’s broader sustainability roadmap, following its 2023 paper bottle pilot in UK Tesco stores. The brand now plans a limited in-market rollout, with further quality testing underway. Louise Werner, Absolut’s Director of Future Packaging, called the fibre cap the “final piece of the puzzle” in delivering fully renewable packaging.