Drink Your Gin From A Paperboard Bottle

Protecting the environment is at the heart of Georgian Bay Spirit Co. As part of their commitment to sustainability they have made a product, a bottle, that is six times more environmentally friendly than a traditional glass bottle and made from 100 per cent recycled paperboard. The best part? It contains delicious Georgian Bay Eco-Friendly Gin! We chatted with Cristina Mitchell, president and COO, to learn more. —Vita Daily

Hi Cristina! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.

I’m born and raised in Alberta; have been in the beverage alcohol industry for over 12 years. I have been leading the Georgian Bay business for the past 2 years.

What, top level, has been included in Georgian Bay Spirit Co.’s commitment to sustainability? What’s new?

Sustainability has always been at the forefront and a core value at Georgian Bay Spirit Co. In 2022, we took a significant stride towards documenting our sustainability by measuring our carbon emissions through the Climate Smart Certification by Radicle. Committed to making a positive impact, we implemented substantial changes at our Distillery, focusing on limiting excess waste through the use of 100% recycled paper and reusable materials. Additionally, we took strides to reduce transportation-related emissions by optimizing our product distribution across the country. By 2023, these internal changes paved the way for a forecasted year-over-year reduction of 10%, underscoring our steadfast commitment to environmental responsibility. As we step into 2024, our dedication continues to expand. We’re investing both internally and externally, partnering with like-minded organizations to further our sustainability goals. Throughout the year, our team will be actively participating in clean-up events, supporting initiatives that aim to reduce waste in lakes and oceans.

How does the new 100 per cent recycled paperboard bottle look/feel/work?

Our new lightweight, paper bottle is an anomaly in appearance, feel and functionality. Its standout design sets it apart from traditional plastic and glass bottles, making a bold statement on the shelf. As the first spirit in Canada to embrace this innovative packaging, it not only looks distinct, but it is incredibly light. If you were to compare it side by side with a glass bottle, the difference is unmistakable being 5 x lighter than a traditional glass bottle. Our Eco-Friendly gin is sourced from 99.7% local ingredients meticulously crafted with a unique blend of botanicals featuring Juniper, Coriander, Lemon Peel, Orange Peel, and Angelica Root. Once empty, the bottle can be effortlessly separated and placed into your recycling bins. Depending on your location, it may go into a single bin or require the plastic bladder and paper component to be sorted into their designated recycling bins.

What environmental organizations does Georgian Bay Spirit Co. support, and how?

We are thrilled to being partnering with Canada’s Forest Trust to plant forests that sequester our emissions. By investing in projects that prioritize reforestation, we’re making strides towards a greener, carbon-neutral future. We are collaborating with Georgian Bay Forever and Surfrider Canada, to clean up our waterways and work together on tackling plastic pollution. Through collaborative efforts, we aim to make a positive impact on our environment, contributing to cleaner lakes and oceans.