Greene King trials scheme to reuse and refill glass bottles
It is estimated that between 14,000 and 22,000 bottles per week will be collected from the 22 pubs, of which 27% will be reused immediately and 55% will be reused by the end of year
Greene King is participating in a reusable bottle scheme where glass bottles used in some of its pubs are returned to drinks producers for refilling as a way to cut the number of single-use glass bottles.
The refillable bottle initiative which reuses beer, cider, spirits, wine and soft drinks bottles is being trialled in 22 pubs. Previously, glass bottles from the pubs had been recycled.
This shows Greene King’s continuous work and collaboration with other businesses in exploring new ways to reduce waste and carbon emissions with the goal for the company to be net zero by 2040.
Its supply chain is working in partnership with Again, a returnable bottle infrastructure start-up business. Used glass bottles are collected from the pubs as part of Greene King’s existing delivery and collection transport system. They are then sorted and cleaned at Again’s CleanCell facility so that the bottles are ready for drinks producers to reuse and refill again.
This summer, the 22 Greene King pubs, which are all located across the north-west of England, joined the trial scheme to return more glass bottles for reuse and refill.
It is estimated that between 14,000 and 22,000 bottles per week will be collected from the 22 pubs, of which 27% will be reused immediately and 55% will be reused by the end of year. This will contribute to a reduction in glass waste and scope 3 carbon emissions – the carbon emissions from Greene King suppliers.
In addition to the environmental benefit, it is good for pub teams, customers and neighbours as the system uses a “tote bag” collection method which means there will be no noisy emptying of glass bottle bins behind the bar making it easier, quieter and safer for pub teams to manage glass bottle recycling.
Vance Fairman-Smith, Greene King’s supply chain director, said: “Our partnership with Again shows how we can tap into emerging business’s innovative ways to help us and our suppliers reduce waste. Every glass bottle we can reuse through collection, then specialist cleaning and refilling, reduces waste and carbon emissions. We will continue to measure the success with this potential further roll out.”
Again’s CEO, Matt Kennedy, added: “Every bottle consumed in the hospitality industry should be returnable. Our previous trials have efficiently collected 98% of bottles from pubs. With the right technology and partnerships, refilling bottles can be both economical and help to accelerate the industry’s progress towards net zero.”
