Unveiling greenwashing: Absolut Vodka’s paper bottle initiative and sustainability challenges in the alcohol industry
Posted on February 21, 2024 in Pernod Ricard, ManipulationAbsolut Vodka has recently announced its plan to switch from glass to paper bottles. As part of a pilot project, the brand has announced the launch of paper bottles, in the search for responsible alternatives in the spirits industry, collaborating with Paboco, a company specializing in paper bottles,
The alcohol industry’s quest for sustainability has led to the emergence of greenwashing tactics, where companies exploit environmental initiatives for marketing purposes. Absolut Vodka’s recent collaboration with Paboco to explore paper bottles epitomizes this trend.
Alcohol’s health, social, and economic harms are well known. But the negative effects of the alcohol industry on the environment, biodiversity, water and food resources and the climate are massive, too, and growing.
Alcohol production is jeopardizing natural resources, and is increasingly causing water shortages and food insecurity. Production of alcoholic beverages is very resource-intensive and not environmentally sustainable.
In this case, while the adoption of paper bottles may reduce packaging-related environmental impact, it’s crucial to scrutinize Absolut’s broader sustainability efforts. Without addressing key operational challenges, such as water usage and energy consumption, the initiative risks being perceived as mere greenwashing.
It also underscores the strategic move to enhance brand image and appeal to eco-conscious consumers, deflecting attention from less sustainable practices and the fact they are producing a harmful product that is a major obstacle to sustainable development and economic prosperity.
