Glass container manufacturer Owens-Illinois (O-I) and Adnams of Southwold have partnered to create a new bottle to pack the latter's ale.
The UK brewer was the first to use lightweight glass in packaged ale sector when it worked with O-I to launch a 299g bottle in 2007.
O-I and Adnams have developed the new ale bottle by further cutting 19g to make 280g, 500ml glass bottle. However, the shape and height of Adnams bespoke bottles remains the same, thus the filling equipment or tertiary packaging will not be impacted.
Adnams environmental sustainability manager Benedict Orchard said: "Constant environmental improvement is part of the DNA at Adnams. We wanted to see how far we could push our bottle as it is a key component of our overall carbon footprint.
"We had done it before and knew O-I. They are very forward thinking and share our ethos, so it was logical to work together."
The lightweight bottle is claimed to save 100t of carbon annually, while removing 115t of glass from the waste stream.
O-I UK marketing and business development manager Paul McLavin said: "We are aware that other glassmakers offer standard bottles at 280g but are excited to be able to offer customers an embossed bottle, with all the branding benefits that brings, which advances sustainability.
"O-I is constantly working with customers and in its own Innovation Centre to push forward the boundaries of glass production; with its infinite recyclability, glass is the most sustainable packaging brands can choose."
