British sustainable packaging firm Frugalpac has made a significant appearance in the new crime blockbuster on Netflix, titled ‘Bodies’. The Ipswich-based company was approached by the show’s production team last year to create bespoke Frugal Bottles for the futuristic storyline set in 2053. Currently, ‘Bodies’ is the most-watched show on Netflix worldwide.
The Frugal Bottle, created by Frugalpac, is the world’s first commercially available paper bottle for wines, spirits, and olive oils. Made from 94% recycled cardboard, it boasts a carbon footprint that is six times lower than a glass bottle and is five times lighter. In the Netflix series, the specially made paper bottles are featured on screen for over five minutes, and Frugalpac is hopeful that this exposure will generate more interest in their sustainable packaging solutions.
This recent appearance in the popular Netflix series comes just weeks after Frugalpac produced bespoke paper bottles to commemorate the state visit of the King and Queen to Bordeaux. The Queen herself took two ‘Cardbordeaux 2023’ bottles, one for herself and one for the King. Frugalpac’s innovations in alternative packaging formats for drinks have gained recognition, and they were approached by the production team of ‘Bodies’, Moonage Pictures, last July. The team saw coverage of the paper bottles, now utilized by more than 35 drinks brands worldwide, including in the UK.
For the show, Frugalpac created two bottles: a Château Montcasse Cabernet Sauvignon 2050 and a Château Serephinelle Merlot 2039 Reserve. These bottles are prominently featured in scenes with DC Iris Maplewood (actress Shira Haas) and Gabriel Defoe (actor Tom Morthersdale) as they drink and chat in Maplewood’s flat. Frugalpac CEO Malcolm Waugh expressed delight at the recognition and stated that the Moonage Pictures team recognized the future potential of paper packaging.
Waugh added, “It’s quite something to see our paper Frugal Bottle in the most-watched show on Netflix worldwide. You could say it’s nice to ‘know you are loved!'” He also praised his team for their hard work in making the bottles and emphasized the company’s mission to decarbonize the drinks industry by offering sustainable packaging alternatives. The Frugal Bottle, with its high recycled cardboard content, reduces carbon emissions by 84% compared to glass bottles.
The success of Frugalpac’s paper bottle revolution is evident from its growing popularity. In addition to partnering with over 35 drinks brands globally, Frugalpac has sold two Frugal Bottle Machines to the US and Canada, with 100 more machine inquiries. Their recent achievements include introducing Greenall’s Gin and When in Rome wines in Sainsbury’s and Ocado, Flawless Flavoured Vodka on Tesco shelves, and Interpunkt wines collaborating with South Africa’s Journey’s End in UK All Bar Ones.
The Frugal Bottle, which launched in June 2020, has gained widespread adoption, with more than 1.8 million paper bottles sold, resulting in over 750 tonnes of CO2 saved. Frugalpac’s ultimate goal is to decarbonize the global drinks industry by deploying its Frugal Bottle Assembly Machines in local wine regions worldwide. They recently sold their first paper bottle machine to Canada’s KinsBrae Packaging and another to California’s Monterey Wine Company.
With an expanding roster of brands utilizing the Frugal Bottle, including Wildjac rum, Mothers Ruined Gin, and Bodegas Fernando Castro organic wines, Frugalpac continues to make strides towards promoting sustainable packaging in the food and drink industry. Future releases featuring the Frugal Bottle include wines from Bodegas Alodia, Mother of Pearl Vodka, Silk Shot cocktails, Alchemy Wines, Laithwaites, and Savvy Pair.
