FrugalPac partners with CTP Packaging to introduce eco-friendly paper bottles in South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA – British sustainable packaging company FrugalPac has entered into discussions with South African packaging firm CTP Packaging to explore a strategic partnership aimed at introducing eco-friendly paper bottles to the South African market.

This collaboration seeks to reduce the drinks industry’s carbon footprint by providing an innovative alternative to traditional glass bottles.

FrugalPac’s flagship product, the Frugal Bottle, is made from 94% recycled paperboard with a food-grade pouch to hold liquids.

The bottle is five times lighter than glass and boasts an 84% lower carbon footprint than glass bottles.

As part of the partnership, FrugalPac and CTP Packaging’s Western Cape operations will work together to increase the demand for paper bottles in South Africa.

A key goal is to establish a local Frugal Bottle Assembly Machine, which would enable the production of these low-carbon bottles in the country.

Several South African wineries in the Western Cape have already embraced the Frugal Bottle. Journey’s End Vineyards with Interpunkt wines and Stellenbosch Vineyards with Arniston Bay wine are among the early adopters.

Additionally, UK-based retailer Aldi has used South African wine in Frugal Bottles for its Cambalala wines.

FrugalPac has also received over 75 other inquiries for paper bottles in South Africa, signalling a growing interest in sustainable packaging solutions.

FrugalPac recently received the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation for its paper bottles and manufacturing machines. It has already sold three Frugal Bottle machines to Canada, the US, and Australia.

Over 45 global drink producers have launched 128 different Frugal Bottles SKUs, now available in 25 countries, including Australia, Japan, North America, Canada, the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, and South Africa.

The partnership discussions come after the South African High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, and the Honorary Consul for South Africa, Bassim Haidar, visited FrugalPac’s headquarters in Ipswich.

During the visit, FrugalPac CEO Malcolm Waugh presented commemorative paper bottles to mark the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic elections.

Leon Witbooi, Managing Director of CTP Packaging’s Western Cape Operations, expressed enthusiasm about the potential partnership, “In just four years, FrugalPac has expanded its reach to over 25 countries, playing a crucial role in decarbonizing the drinks market.

“We are excited to collaborate with FrugalPac to introduce paper bottles to an even wider audience of drinks producers in South Africa and beyond.”

CEO of FrugalPac, Malcolm Waugh, added, “South Africa and the broader African continent represent significant markets for our low-carbon paper bottle.

“With South Africa exporting over 300 million liters of wine annually, switching to paper bottles will reduce freight costs and lower carbon emissions—benefiting both the economy and the environment.”

This partnership marks a significant step towards a sustainable future in the South African beverage industry. It offers a promising solution to reduce the environmental impact of packaging.

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