Hamilton, Bermuda-based Bacardi announced it is cutting approximately 140 tons of single-use plastic annually by removing plastic pourers from its bottles in the U.S., 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 a number of the company’s iconic drink brands including: BACARDÍ rum, MARTINI Fiero, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE gin and DEWAR’S White Label blended Scotch whisky.

The removal has already begun, and by early next year, all 1.75-liter bottles of BACARDÍ rum – including Superior, Gold and Coconut – in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico will no longer contain the plastic pourer, cutting 76 tons of plastic annually, it says.

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

“We are making this bold move because it’s the right thing to do for the planet,” said Rodolfo Nervi, vice president of Global Safety, Quality & Sustainability at Bacardi. “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% plastic free by 2030.”

Bacardi 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, it says. 

Nervi added: “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.”