Pioneering Canadian packaging company KinsBrae Packaging has won the prestigious
“Product of the Year” – the world’s largest consumer voted award for product innovation – for the 2024 packaging category, with our Frugal Bottle – the world’s first paper bottle for wines and spirits.
The annual Product of the Year Awards provides a trusted resource to easily guide consumers to the best new products on the market.
Chosen by 4,000 Canadian shoppers in a national survey conducted by Kantar, a global leader in consumer research, KinsBrae’s KB Paper Bottle was a clear winner, and was awarded the highly coveted red seal, recognizing the product’s innovation in the packaging category.
KinsBrae’s KB Paper Bottle is the world’s first commercially available paper bottle designed for non-carbonated beverages. Made from 100% recycled paperboard, they are five times lighter than a normal glass bottle, weighing just 83g.
The KB Paper Bottles also have a carbon footprint up to six times lower than a glass bottle, use 77% less plastic than a plastic bottle, and the water footprint is four times lower than a typical glass bottle.
KinsBrae Packaging manufactures the KB Paper Bottle on the FBAM-1, which was created by
Frugalpac. This is the first paper bottle machine in the world, and is now running at full production in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
KinsBrae is eagerly anticipating the first paper bottles being manufactured on their new equipment, for partners, Georgian Bay Spirit Co. The highly awarded craft distillery is a favourite amongst Canadian consumers, highly recognized for their Gin Smash.
The introduction of Georgian Bay Eco Gin in KB Paper Bottles is a clear expression on their unwavering commitment to sustainability.
Scheduled for release in March at the LCBO, and available nationwide, the new botanical-forward Georgian Bay Eco Gin presents consumers with the unique opportunity to indulge in premium craft spirits while actively embracing a more sustainable lifestyle.
Denzil Wadds, Co-Founder of Georgian Bay Spirit Co. said:
“This release encapsulates our collective pride in this partnership with KinsBrae, a collaboration that not only drives positive change through innovation but also embodies our shared vision for a more environmentally conscious future.”
Katy Saito, Marketing Manager at KinsBrae Packaging said:
“It is amazing to see that Canadians love and believe in the KB Paper Bottle the same way that we do. This innovative and sustainable packaging technology offers a disruptive and revolutionary alternative to the glass bottle, and we are excited to see more companies get on board with the KB Paper Bottle across the country!”
Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, who made the paper bottle machine, said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled for KinsBrae Packaging for their well-deserved win. The fact most of the 4,000 members of the public judging the competition made it a winner shows the KB Paper Bottle really was the people’s choice. We wish them well in making the paper bottle an even greater success across Canada so people can drink responsibly and sustainably!”
Frisky Beaver, an Ontario based winery, was the first wine to launch in the Paper Bottle in Ontario and can be found at the LCBO. Look for your favourite wine and spirits in the KB Paper Bottle in select wineries, distilleries, liquor, and grocery store locations across Canada.