Forget metal, glass and plastic, the world’s first paper bottle is the new innovative way to bring wine and spirits to market thanks to Canadian company, KinsBrae Packaging. KinsBrae won the prestigious Product of the Year in the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation, in the 2024 packaging category, with its Frugal Bottle.
The annual Product of the Year Awards provide a trusted resource to easily guide consumers to the best new products on the market.
Chosen by 4,000 Canadian shoppers in a national survey conducted by Kantar, a global leader in consumer research, KinsBrae’s KB Paper Bottle was a clear winner and was awarded the highly coveted red seal, recognizing the product’s innovation in the packaging category.
KinsBrae’s KB Paper Bottle is the world’s first commercially-available paper bottle designed for non-carbonated beverages. Made from 100 percent recycled paperboard, the bottles are five times lighter than a normal glass bottle, weighing just 83g.
The KB Paper Bottles also have a carbon footprint up to six times lower than a glass bottle, use 77 percent less plastic than a plastic bottle and have a water footprint four times lower than a typical glass bottle.
KinsBrae Packaging manufactures the KB Paper Bottle on the FBAM-1, a machine created by UK company, Frugalpac. This is the first paper bottle machine in the world and is now running at full production in Cambridge, Ontario.
KinsBrae manufactured the first paper bottles on the new equipment for partners Georgian Bay Spirit Co. The highly-awarded craft distillery is known among Canadian consumers for its Gin Smash. The introduction of Georgian Bay’s Eco-Friendly Gin in KB Paper Bottles is a clear expression of an unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Released this spring at the LCBO and available nationwide, the new botanical-forward Georgian Bay Eco-Friendly Gin presents consumers with the unique opportunity to indulge in premium craft spirits while actively embracing a more sustainable lifestyle.
“This release encapsulates our collective pride in this partnership with KinsBrae,” says Denzil Wadds, co-founder of Georgian Bay Spirit Co. “A collaboration that not only drives positive change through innovation but also embodies our shared vision for a more environmentally conscious future.”
“It is amazing to see that Canadians love and believe in the KB Paper Bottle the same way that we do,” says Katy Saito, marketing manager at KinsBrae Packaging. “This innovative and sustainable packaging technology offers a disruptive and revolutionary alternative to the glass bottle, and we are excited to see more companies get on board with the KB Paper Bottle across the country.”
“We’re absolutely thrilled for KinsBrae Packaging for their well-deserved win,” says Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, makers of the paper bottle machine. “The fact [that] most of the 4,000 members of the public judging the competition made it a winner shows the KB Paper Bottle really was the people’s choice. We wish them well in making the paper bottle an even greater success across Canada so people can drink responsibly and sustainably.”
Frisky Beaver, an Ontario-based winery, was the first to launch wine in the paper bottle in Ontario and the Dam Good White and Dam Good Red can be found at the LCBO. Look for more wines and spirits in the KB Paper Bottle in select wineries, distilleries, liquor and grocery store locations across Canada. ν