When future civilizations review the geological record, a product will stand out dramatically from this time period: the plastic. In an effort to curb the rising tide of plastic pollution a bit, a best-selling whiskey will arrive in paper bottles soon. However, don’t get excited yet.
Diageo, one of the largest beverage companies in the world, Announced On Monday, Johnnie Walker bottles will be made from “sustainably sourced wood” starting in early 2021. The company claims the bottle will be fully recyclable. If it works this time, the company hopes to be able to use this packaging for other drinks in the future.
This latest news is part of Diageo’s long-term strategy to improve its carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. For example, the company announced on June 29 that it would build a carbon neutral whiskey distillery. On June 11, he announced the use of recycled plastic bottles for Seagram’s 7 Crown American whiskey.
Cool, right? You buy a million plastic bottles a minute, according to the United Nations. That’s a lot of plastic that often ends up in our oceans (and apparently our National Parks and plants, too). Reducing the amount of plastic the world produces is undoubtedly a good thing. But what we really need to do is reduce the amount of waste the world produces, period. There is an environmental cost for everything we produce, as well as for everything we recycle. So, sorry, Johnnie Walker. We cannot celebrate this yet.
G / O Media may receive a commission
“While we appreciate that Johnnie Walker is acknowledging the seriousness of the plastic pollution problem and the need for companies to change their business practices to eliminate plastic waste, swapping one disposable for another is not the solution,” Claire Arkin, communications coordinator for the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, which advocates for zero waste, she told Earther in an email. “The use of paper packaging comes with its own set of problems: deforestation, potential toxicity, and barriers to effective recycling. Rather than relying on availability and imposing the costs of that decision on cities and consumers, companies must be pioneers in safe and reusable systems that preserve human and planetary health. “
Amy Moas, a leading forestry activist for Greenpeace USA, told Earther by email that “nothing about the Johnny Walker liquor movement to paper packaging is sustainable.” She also noted the need for zero waste options for consumers and the environmental problems created by the pulp and paper industry.
Making paper bottles requires cutting down trees and that comes at a cost, particularly for endangered animals and indigenous peoples living in or near forests that are being cut down. Even if the outside of the new Johnnie Walker bottle really is 100% recyclable, Moas said he questioned whether the lining on the inside to keep the whiskey from soaking up as well.
Diageo did not provide Earther with any information on what these coatings are other than that they are not any type of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS. Which is good because these can often found in similar types of packaging and come with their own environmental and Health concerns
Many companies use a thin layer of plastic in paper cups that makes them more difficult to recycle. Some companies are moving to alternatives based on bioplastics. But even if the coating is technically recyclable, Moas said, “The vast majority of municipal recycling programs are not equipped to accept them at this time.”
Johnnie Walker may be annoying to help the world become a better and less polluted place. However, our son Johnnie will have to do much more to help solve this gigantic problem. Saving the planet is not as simple as changing from plastic to paper. Not when the problems are much more complex and deeply woven into society.
.
