Salcombe Gin’s latest launch: Aluminium miniature bottles unlock listings with Virgin Wines, P&O and GWR

A notable update on sustainability in packaging has been marked with the award-winning distiller Salcombe Gin’s launch of a new range of 5cl miniature aluminium bottles. They are manufactured using recycled aluminium, reducing carbon footprint and promoting the circular economy. This move toward sustainability has fetched the company new high-profile listings with Virgin Wines, P&O Cruises and Great Western Railway. 

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The miniature aluminium bottles are manufactured using 100 per cent post-consumer recycled aluminium and serve as the lowest environmental impact spirit miniatures currently available in the market. Angus Lugsdin, Co-founder and Director of Salcombe Gin, elaborated on this and said, “Post-consumer recycled aluminium is infinitely recyclable, lightweight and part of a circular economy, meaning every bottle has lived a previous life.” Having reached the end of its prior lifecycle already, it is remade into an infinitely recyclable format.

Commenting on the transition, Angus Lugsdin, Co-founder and Director of Salcombe Gin, stated, “Moving to 100 per cent post-consumer recycled aluminium bottles is far more than a packaging change, it’s a strategic shift towards reducing our carbon footprint and the environmental impact of each bottle that we sell.”

Migrating to post-consumer recycled aluminium, according to Salcombe Gin, cuts down carbon emissions by approximately 90 per cent, in contrast with polyethylene terephthalate PET bottles or glass packaging. Moreover, the aluminium bottles are 54 per cent lighter than glass. Therefore, while preserving Salcombe Gin’s premium aesthetic, they reduce further emissions across the supply chain, from production through transportation and final delivery.

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The packaging innovation has rapidly unlocked new commercial opportunities and channels. Over the Christmas period, the miniature aluminium bottles secured major listings with Virgin Wines and were introduced onboard P&O Cruises. Currently, they are being employed in Great Western Railway’s (GWR) Pullman Dining Car. Their lightweight and shatterproof design renders them accurate for travel retail and onboard consumption.

Regarding these achievements, Lugsdin mentioned, “The fact that this change has already led to new partnerships with Virgin Wines, P&O Cruises and Great Western Railway shows that the industry is ready to embrace more sustainable solutions.”  

Sarah Creaser, Catering Operations Manager at Great Western Railway, has welcomed the collaboration, stating, “We’re delighted to partner with craft distillery Salcombe Gin, a fellow regional business that shares our commitment to supporting its community, and as sustainably as possible.”

Attributing to bolstering domestic supply and the circular economy, she added, “Rail plays a vital role in supporting the national and local economies, and this partnership enhances that connection while offering our customers an award-winning, locally produced drink to enjoy during their journey.”

The miniature aluminium range includes Salcombe Gin’s flagship ‘Start Point’ (44 per cent ABV), a multi-award-winning citrus-led London Dry gin, and ‘Rosé Sainte Marie’ (41.4 per cent ABV), a Mediterranean-style Dry Rosé Gin. Both variants are available in individual 5cl bottles, as well as a newly launched twin gift set.

In parallel to its packaging switch, Salcombe Gin continues to reinforce its commitment to environmental protection through its partnership with the Marine Conservation Society, donating 1 per cent of every bottle of ‘Start Point’ sold under its initiative of ‘1 per cent for the Ocean’. 

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