Diageo - Belfast and Runcorn Eco-Efficient Beer Packaging

SmallPack, a beer packaging arm of Diageo, based in Runcorn and Belfast, packages nearly 400 premium beverages, including Guinness, Smithwicks, Kilkenny, Harp and Kaliber beer. Both sites have achieved these improvements through an increase in operational efficiency, segregation of waste streams and the introduction of stringent environmental standards.  

Runcorn was able to convert waste beer into energy by diverting it from bulk beer holding tanks to an anaerobic digester at United Utilities.  In Belfast, its food waste is rendered and used as a green biofuel, and label waste is turned into mulch for use as a commercial compost.

By reducing the weight and size of its cans, SmallPack has minimised packaging without compromising functionality, quality and consumer requirements.  New product packaging must be minimal, recoverable, free from hazardous substances and still meet the requirements of market labelling.  Carton wrap for 24-can packs, made using recycled paper, has also had its weight reduced without loss of strength. In addition, Diageo has used a survey and toolkit to
improve the sharing of waste knowledge throughout the company, which involved 78 sites.