Bacardi is cutting approximately 140 tons of single-use plastic annually by removing plastic pourers from its bottles in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, Spain and Portugal.

The plastic Non-Refillable Fitment (NRF) is commonplace throughout the spirits industry and is currently found in the neck of several the company’s drink brands including Bacardi rum, Martini Fiero, Bombay Sapphire gin and Dewar’s White Label blended Scotch whisky.

The company said the removal has already begun, and by early next year, all 1.75L bottles of Bacardi rum – including Superior, Gold and Coconut – in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico will no longer contain the plastic pourer, cutting 76 tons of plastic annually.

In Spain and Portugal, the plastic pourer will be removed from all brands in the Bacardi portfolio over the next six months.

“We are making this bold move because it’s the right thing to do for the planet. As a family-owned company for more than 160 years, pioneering change is in our DNA, and we’re proud to be leading the industry as we take another huge step towards achieving our commitment to be 100 per cent plastic free by 2030,” Bacardi global safety, quality and sustainability vice-president Rodolfo Nervi said.

Bacardi added that it is reviewing every way in which it is currently using plastic and exploring whether it can be removed or replaced with a more sustainable alternative.

A major milestone will be reached in 2023, when the company will remove all single-use plastic from its gift packs and point-of-sale materials.

“Consumers will continue to enjoy the same exceptional quality and taste from our entire portfolio of brands as we continue on our journey to a more sustainable future,” Nervi added.