Rhea Distilleries located at Gonvolloy in South Goa, has unveiled the country’s first paper bottle for spirits — the Frugal Bottle — through a partnership with UK packaging innovator Frugalpac and Indian conglomerate ITC’s packaging division. The launch coincided with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s trade visit to India on October 9, 2025, where he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen bilateral trade relations.
Frugalpac CEO Malcolm Waugh hailed the initiative as a milestone for sustainable packaging in India, noting that the collaboration not only introduces an iconic Goan spirit in an eco-conscious format but also signals a broader shift in the Indian beverage industry.
Key features of the Frugal Bottle include:
- Made from 94% recycled paperboard with a food-safe liner
- Five times lighter than traditional glass bottles
- Up to six times lower carbon footprint
- Designed for easy recycling by separating the paper shell from the liner
The agreement to bring the British-made bottle to India was finalized during Frugalpac’s visit in September 2025, which also laid the groundwork for introducing manufacturing equipment to South Asia.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
