In a bold step toward premium sustainability, Atom Group has partnered with Finnish material innovation pioneer Sulapac to revolutionize the packaging of its beloved Drinks by the Dram tasting sets. The result? A high-performance, microplastic-free insert that blends the functional durability of plastic with the environmental integrity of fiber-based materials.
This is more than a packaging facelift it’s a deep dive into material reinvention. Nestled inside a sturdy cardboard box, the newly developed insert is crafted from Sulapac Flow 1.7, a biobased material made from wood flour (a sawmill by-product) and responsibly sourced biopolymers. It offers a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions and is certified industrially compostable breaking down into natural components without leaving persistent microplastics or toxins behind.
“Inserts play a crucial role in safely housing glass bottles especially in e-commerce,” says Victoria Howse, Head of Gifting at Atom Group. “With Sulapac, we’ve achieved the look, feel, and performance we need, but without compromising our sustainability values.”
Functionality was front and center in this design. The tasting set bottles are often clicked in and out of the insert multiple times, demanding a material with "memory" and Sulapac Flow 1.7 delivers. Its elastic recovery, moisture resistance, and durability mirror traditional plastics, while offering a natural surface finish that elevates the premium aesthetic of the set. The deep black tone of the insert aligns seamlessly with the outer packaging, creating a cohesive, elevated brand experience.
Moreover, Sulapac’s innovative material can be processed using conventional thermoforming equipment, making it not only eco-conscious but also commercially viable. It's currently available to packaging manufacturers and brands across Europe and the U.S., paving the way for more sustainable luxury packaging solutions.
Juho Luukkanen, Sales Director at Sulapac, adds, “This partnership showcases how material science and brand storytelling can combine to delight customers and protect the planet.”
With their new insert, Atom Group isn’t just pouring out fine spirits they’re bottling the future of sustainable packaging.
