Frugalpac launches investment round to scale its paper bottle technology

Packaging Solutions

Frugalpac, the British clean technology company behind the paper wine and spirits bottle, has launched an equity fundraising to raise up to £5 million, using the crowdfunding platform Crowdcube, to support its next phase of global growth, including developing paper paint pots.

Some £1 million has already been secured from existing and new investors ahead of the crowdfunding launch.

Frugalpac’s flagship product, the Frugal Bottle, is made from 94% recycled paper with a carbon footprint 84% lower than glass. It is five times lighter than a traditional glass bottle, recyclable and already widely adopted by the drinks industry. 

Since its launch, over three million Frugal Bottles have been produced and used by more than 50 brands in 128 different wines and spirits across 27 countries. 

The bottles have been stocked by major global retailers including Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Laithwaites, Ocado, Target, Whole Food Markets and 7-Eleven. Brands which have used the bottle include Greenall’s Gin, Silent Pool, When in Rome Wine and Bonny Doon.

The company’s first three million bottles have saved over 1400 tonnes of CO₂.

Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, said: ‘Our mission is simple. We are offering a scalable alternative to glass that reduces emissions, supports circularity and is already being embraced by the drinks industry. 

‘This crowdfunding allows eligible investors to back a proven technology at a crucial moment – and help us accelerate our impact around the world.’

Frugalpac has raised over £23.5 million to date from a loyal group of investors.  

The company generates revenue by selling its proprietary Frugal Bottle Assembly Machines (FBAMs) to packaging companies and contract bottlers, while earning recurring royalties on every bottle produced. 

Machines have already been sold and exported to Monterey Wine Company (USA) and KinsBrae Packaging (Canada), with another order from Mother of Pearl Vodka in Australia.  A new high speed model – FBAM2 – is in development.

The company has also signed a development deal with a leading international paint company to bring its new Frugal Paint Pot – a lightweight, recyclable paperboard pot – to market. 

Further pipeline products include a takeaway beverage Frugal Cup and Frugal Pots for food and FMCG.

The company has received widespread global recognition – including the King’s Award for Innovation in 2024 – and been featured by CBS News, NBC, Channel 4, Forbes, the Financial Times, and more. Its ‘Cardboardeaux’ wine bottles were even presented to King Charles and Queen Camilla during their state visit to France.

Malcolm Waugh added, ‘We are not just building packaging – we are building a better future for the planet. And the opportunity to join us in next stage of our paper packaging revolution.’