Cointreau bottle held beneath an automated SmartPour dispensing machine branded Cointreau, with the bottle positioned for refilling.

Cointreau and ecoSPIRITS: A Sustainable Partnership

In March 2023, Cointreau joined forces with ecoSPIRITS to deploy a closed-loop distribution system, marking a major step forward in sustainable packaging for the spirits industry.

  • News

As the first global liqueur brand to integrate the ecoSPIRITS circular solution, Cointreau launched a pilot programme in the UK, providing bars, restaurants, and hotels with an innovative alternative to single-use packaging.

The pilot programme introduced co-branded editions of ecoTOTE™ and SmartPour™, ecoSPIRITS’ award-winning circular packaging technology, reducing the reliance on traditional glass bottles. This initiative aimed to cut single-use packaging waste, optimise storage space, and reduce overall environmental impact. As part of the “Sustainable Exception” roadmap of Rémy Cointreau, this partnership demonstrated the brand’s strong commitment to responsible consumption and sustainable production.

Cointreau bottle positioned next to a Cointreau SmartPour 2.0 refill station, highlighting the sustainable refill system in a bar environment.

Measurable Impact

and Success in the UK


One year after its launch, the pilot project has yielded impressive results:

  • 1,500 ecoTOTETM units have been distributed, the equivalent of 9,200 bottles of Cointreau, significantly reducing single-use glass bottle consumption.

  • The initiative led to a reduction of 6 tonnes of packaging waste, including glass and cardboard.

  • It contributed to a total saving of 7.2 tonnes of CO2 emissions, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to its goal of a 50% GHG reduction per bottle by 2030.

  • On-trade partners experienced a 30-50% reduction in back-of-house storage needs and a 95% reduction in daily glass and cardboard waste, making operations more sustainable and efficient.

These results confirm the potential of circular economy solutions in the spirits industry. By working alongside ecoSPIRITS, Cointreau has demonstrated that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand, offering a viable alternative to traditional distribution models.

Expansion to the United States: The Next Chapter

Encouraged by the success of the UK pilot, Cointreau and ecoSPIRITS are now preparing to expand the programme to the United States, bringing this innovative circular packaging solution to one of the world’s largest spirits markets. This next step aligns with Rémy Cointreau’s broader sustainability vision, which focuses on Terroir, People & Time, placing climate action, responsible drinking, and sustainable production at the core of its long-term strategy.

Terroir, People & Time

"Our ambition remains unchanged: at Cointreau, we are committed to giving ourselves the means to develop our iconic brand, protect its terroirs, and preserve its organoleptic richness while safeguarding the planet for future generations."

Clémence Gallet, Cointreau Executive Director

Cointreau SmartPour 2.0 refill station surrounded by colorful cocktails on a bar counter, highlighting a sustainable refill system.

For ecoSPIRITS, the collaboration with Cointreau represents a major breakthrough in sustainable packaging for liqueurs and spirits worldwide.

Paul Gabie, CEO of ecoSPIRITS commented:

“Rémy Cointreau is an industry-leading drinks company, and we are delighted to welcome them as our first global brand partner in the United Kingdom. It is no small milestone when Cointreau and Mount Gay, each an iconic brand in its own right, join the circular economy. Cointreau will also be the first global liqueur brand to be available in our award-winning ecoTOTE format. The transition to circular is gathering momentum in the spirits industry. We applaud the entire Rémy Cointreau team for their commitment to building a sustainable future together.”


With this next phase, Cointreau and ecoSPIRITS reaffirm their commitment to scaling circular economy solutions and reducing the environmental impact of spirits packaging worldwide. The journey towards a more sustainable industry is just beginning.

Discover more
News

view all news

News

Cointreau partners with the world’s 50 best bars

6 colorful decorated bottles of Cointreau’s Key Cities Limited Edition in front of a dark blue background

News

Discover the Cointreau Key Cities Limited Edition Collection

Test alt text

Top Cocktails

Find the perfect drink for any outdoor party or event

Medium shot of Master distiller Carole Quinton in front of a blurry background with bokeh

cocktail talks

Meet Carole Quinton, Master Distiller at Cointreau