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Ginebra San Miguel's Vino Kulafu takes a step to lessen plastic waste

05/11/2024

Vino Kulafu, the Philippines' No. 1 Chinese Wine produced by Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), is making a significant stride in reducing plastic waste. As part of its commitment to environmental protection, GSMI is reducing the use of plastic in Vino Kulafu's packaging, a move that underscores its dedication to sustainability.

Starting June 1, Vino Kulafu will have a smaller cap seal, reducing its plastic use to about 50 percent. The initiative marks the beginning of GSMI's many efforts to lessen the use of plastic across its product line. In the next few months, other GSMI brands will follow, including GSMI's flagship brand, Ginebra San Miguel.

Vino Kulafu's (350 mL) plastic Seal-O-Band (SOB) will be shorter and its thickness reduced, making it 0.22 grams lighter. With the effort, Vino Kulafu's annual total plastic footprint will be reduced by almost half, or 49%, equivalent to 11 metric tons each year.

As a leader in the Philippine liquor market, GSMI recognizes its role in minimizing its environmental impact. "We are deeply committed to integrating sustainability throughout our operations, and our decision to implement the smaller and lighter seal of Vino Kulafu is a testament to this commitment," said GSMI Sustainability Manager Manny Guimbal.

GSMI assures its valued consumers that despite the changes in Vino Kulafu's packaging, its commitment to delivering high-quality products remains unwavering. “We understand that the quality of Vino Kulafu is what our consumers value the most, and we have taken great care to ensure that we provide the same level of protection to maintain our brand's exceptional quality, ensuring that our consumers continue to enjoy the same great taste and health benefits from the 12 Chinese herbs," said GSMI Marketing Manager Ron Molina. "We are committed to continuous innovation, including finding sustainable solutions without sacrificing quality. We assure all our consumers that these changes do not compromise our commitment to quality and tamper-evident packaging," he added. 

The move supports the government's effort towards sustainability, particularly reducing plastic waste through the elimination of plastic packaging in products. GSMI is proud to be part of this national initiative, and the reduction of plastic use in Vino Kulafu is a tangible step towards this shared goal.

Even before the concept of 'sustainability' became mainstream, GSMI had already embraced its principles in its operations. GSMI remains committed to sustainability and continues researching innovative ways to enhance the company's initiatives.

Boteful Philippines is one of GSMI's sustainability projects that promotes the collection and recycling of discarded bottles.