Buen Vato Tequila now comes in a paperboard bottle that is five times lighter than a traditional glass bottle. This new packaging choice cuts the carbon footprint by 84% compared to glass alternatives. The product is already available at Systembolaget, Sweden’s government-owned liquor store.
The paperboard bottle is the result of a collaboration between Tequila Selecto de Amatitán Distillery, which produces Buen Vato, and the Swedish-Mexican team at AliasSmith. Both sides share a commitment to sustainability.
Fernando Real, director of Tequila Selecto de Amatitán, explained that working with AliasSmith unexpectedly strengthened their business. “Our shared focus on sustainability led naturally to this paper bottle,” he said. “We never imagined it would become the world’s first paper tequila bottle, but it is a milestone we are very proud of.”
Buen Vato means “good guy” or “good gangster” in Spanish. The name reflects the brand’s playful yet responsible spirit—doing good for the planet while keeping a bit of mischief.
Environmental Impact and Availability
Omar Corona, Buen Vato’s technical director, emphasized that the brand is designed to be eco-friendly from start to finish. “By bottling in Europe and using this innovative paperboard design, we have significantly reduced our carbon footprint,” he said. Buen Vato has 38% ABV and retails for around €25 (~$29) per bottle.
Initially, the tequila will be sold in 120 Systembolaget stores across Sweden. Customers interested in sustainable spirits can order it directly through Systembolaget’s network.
Creative Process Fueled by CSR Requirements
The idea for this project took shape when Systembolaget enforced strict corporate social responsibility (CSR) rules. All producers listed on its shelves must comply with these regulations. AliasSmith faced challenges with its previous product, Los Tres Toños Tequila. The distillery then risked losing shelf space due to sustainability shortfalls.
To address these issues, AliasSmith hired an environmental engineer and invested heavily in upgrades at the distillery. Over 18 months, the team dedicated 1,427 engineering hours and spent $1 million on sustainability improvements. Their progress exceeded Systembolaget’s CSR standards.
Encouraged by a significant rise in sales, AliasSmith doubled down on its eco-friendly strategy. The company hired Omar Corona as a second environmental engineer to oversee Buen Vato’s technical development and to lead plans for global expansion.
Related Topics
