Family-owned spirits company Bacardi has successfully trialled the commercial production of glass spirits bottles with hydrogen.

In a trial performed earlier this month, the company partnered with premium glassmaker, Hrastnik1860, to employ new technology that leverages hydrogen as its primary energy source to power a glass furnace.

The process is claimed to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced during glass bottle production.

During the trial, Bacardi and Hrastnik1860 produced the ST-GERMAIN elderflower liqueur bottle, which has a similar appearance to bottles produced using traditional methods.

The partners produced 150,000 of the brand’s 70cl glass bottles over the course of the trial.

Hydrogen represented more than 60% of the fuel used for the glass furnace, thereby reducing GHG emissions by over 30%.

The new bottles are expected to be rolled out across bars and stores in the coming weeks.

Bacardi Safety, Quality and Sustainability vice-president Rodolfo Nervi said: “Piloting this lower carbon glass production is another example of Bacardi leading the industry in environmental best practice.

“We will take the learnings from the trial to help shape a pathway to hydrogen-fueled glass production and create a blueprint for others to follow. It’s only through making change as an industry that we can bring significant change to our impact on the environment.”

Bacardi, which has a portfolio of more than 200 brands and labels, is continuously investing in new technologies to achieve its net-zero target.

In October this year, the company unveiled its new Combined Heat & Power system in Puerto Rico, US, which is set to cut GHG emissions of its BACARDÍ rum brand by 50%.

In November 2023, Bacardi also announced a reduction in the number of cardboard gift boxes used for some of its brands.