Bosses at a Suffolk brewer have reiterated its commitment to going green after launching a range of new lightweight bottles.

The environmentally-friendly move will save Greene King up to 150 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year - the equivalent of the same amount produced by 16 average family households.

The decision to reduce the amount of glass in its bottles by nearly 25% come as part of the drive to address growing environmental and commercial issues facing the Bury St Edmunds brewing giant.

Justin Adams, managing director of the Greene King Brewing Company, said: “The 80-90 grams of glass we are losing per bottle may seem modest but given the large number of bottled beers we produce, the overall impact is enormous.

“In total, we'll be saving well over 1,500 tonnes - equivalent to 5 million bottles - of glass each year.”

Following an intensive period of re-commissioning, which involved extremely intricate adjustments to the plant, the first batch of lightweight Old Speckled Hen came off Greene King's bottling line and shipped to major supermarkets.

Mr Adams revealed that the decision would also have a knock-on effect on fuel consumer with delivery vehicles enjoying lighter loads.

He said: “Greene King has not suddenly converted to environmentally friendly practice - it has always been an agriculturally-based industry that uses natural, wholesome ingredients to brew its beer.

“Pressure has also been put on suppliers to improve their environmental performance. However we are always looking for ways to improve our performance.

“We are constantly setting ourselves new targets and finding new ways to reduce our carbon footprint through all areas of our business. The lightweight bottling project is just one of many activities that address the growing environmental and commercial issues facing us.”

The new lightweight bottles come two years after Greene King invested £8million in a state-of-the-art bottling hall in Bury.

Old Speckled Hen Hall has since saved the company more than 400,000 HGV miles and 500 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

About ten Greene King brands will be converted into the lightweight bottle which also includes a change in the shape as well as front, back and neck labels.

Source: EADT24