Technology that can help distilleries convert distilling byproducts, including spent grains, into renewable energy and two new packaging applications were the winners in the Distilled Spirits Council‘s Innovation Showcase during the group’s annual conference in New Orleans.
SoMax Circular Solutions was the grand winner with its presentation on hydrothermal carbonization that eliminates the cost of disposing of distilling byproducts while improving the environment.
The second-place winner was Bacardi, represented by Bacardi Senior Packaging Developer Adrien Fletcher, for the spirits company’s development and execution of new packaging that eliminates all single-use plastic in its secondary packaging, including plastic windows, thermoforms and neckers. This is part of the company’s commitment of removing 100% of all single-use plastic from its gift packs and point-of-sale materials by the end of 2023.
Third place was awarded to Tapi Group for its new bottle closure that includes a bio-compostable case containing a seed inside that consumers can plant, giving the topper a second life. The innovation engages the consumer in advancing sustainability and features a wide variety of seeds that can be planted indoors or outside.
More than 30 firms submitted projects ranging from spirits packaging, technology, supply chain, sustainability, marketing, structure, responsibility and product development.