Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What mushroom-based packaging suppliers are available as sustainable alternatives to traditional cardboard?
Members have identified mycelium (mushroom-based) packaging as a viable sustainable cardboard replacement, though cost is a consideration. **Specific suppliers and contacts:** - **Magical Mushroom** — paul@magicalmushroom.com — offers mycelium packaging, though members noted it is expensive. - **Seedlip's supplier** — A contact used by Seedlip for a biodegradable pack was flagged as excellent; members expressed interest in connecting through the recommender for details. **Caveats:** Mycelium packaging comes at a premium price point, so cost will be a significant factor in adoption decisions.
What sustainable glassware alternatives are available for drinks service?
Members have identified a few emerging options, though none yet offer a complete solution across all drink types. **Edible/Consumable Options:** - **Stroodles** — edible biscuit/wafer cups that work well for coffee-based drinks (hot or cold). Members report they were effective at events, though experienced some leakage when customers ate the cup while the drink was still inside. Not suitable for ice-based cocktails. - **Pernod Ricard portfolio** — the group invested in an edible glassware provider a few years ago; specific product details require further research. - **Mousehall** — reported to have used edible cups at events (specific product details not provided). **Gap in the Market:** Members noted a clear unmet need: no one has yet found a seaweed-based or similar sustainable "glass" product suitable for cocktails and ice-based drinks. This appears to be an opportunity worth exploring.
What are reliable suppliers for sustainable branded paper cups in large quantities?
Members recommend **GoforGreen** as a tested supplier for sustainable paper cups with no plastic liners and proper recyclability credentials. Their cups are described as "lovely" and have recently upgraded their sustainability credentials. **Key considerations:** - **GoforGreen** — supplies recyclable paper cups without plastic liners; allow for 6-week lead times and plan accordingly to avoid last-minute delays - Multiple members use GoforGreen and report satisfaction with both product quality and sustainability standards **Caveats:** Lead times are firm (6 weeks reported), so order well in advance to avoid supply pressure. Confirm your specific volume requirements (e.g. 500k units) and branding specifications directly with the supplier.
What are the design specifications, costs, and practical considerations for using paper bottles for spirits?
Paper bottles for spirits are an emerging sustainable packaging option, but come with significant cost and operational considerations. Here's what members have learned: **Specifications & Performance** - **Frugal bottles** are the main provider members are using; they weigh just 81g empty and around 800g when filled (700ml), compared to 1–1.8kg for standard glass bottles - Design achieves full 360° label coverage - Manufacturing process is relatively simple, but lead times are long and often delayed **Costs & Minimum Orders** - Minimum order quantity is 5,000 units but becomes "much cheaper and easier" at 20,000+ units - Bottle cost: approximately £1 per unit - Filling cost: approximately £1 per unit (so ~£2 total landed cost) - Printing, assembly, and pouches are provided by Frugal and completed in the UK - Final unit costs are described as "pretty high" due to the way Frugal structures its business **Filling & Operations – Critical Challenges** - **DO NOT attempt to fill in-house.** Members who tried lost 6 months to trial-and-error; the pouch vacuum system and bottle-weighting requirements are complex - Filling is "a nightmare" and requires specialist equipment most producers don't have - **Recommended bottler: Silent Pool** — members report they have cracked the filling process and can provide filling pricing and guidance; other bottlers are being brought on board but availability is limited - Frugal's business model prioritises selling assembly machines rather than finished goods, which complicates the supply chain for smaller producers **Strategic Use** - Members recommend paper bottles for e-commerce and D2C channels (low carbon footprint, breakage not an issue) - On-trade and retail use is still developing; retailers may prefer bulk solutions or established formats - Paper bottles are lighter, reducing logistics carbon but are single-use **Caveats** - Lead times and delays are common; plan accordingly - Retailer pushback on alternative formats should be anticipated - Frugal is actively expanding its network of approved bottlers, so availability may improve