ecoSPIRITS Introduces Next Generation ecoTOTE 3.0

SINGAPORE 30 SEPTEMBER 2020  ecoSPIRITS today announced the launch of the new ecoTOTE 3.0, a third generation of the patent-pending technology at the heart of the ecoSPIRITS system for low carbon, low waste spirits distribution. The latest generation ecoTOTE introduces a range of new features and performance upgrades, further reducing the carbon impact of spirits distribution and enhancing the experience for ecoSPIRITS partner spirits brands, distributors and venues. The new ecoTOTE 3.0 was released in China on 30 September and will become available across ecoSPIRITS Asia Pacific markets in October.

The new ecoTOTE 3.0, the third generation of the patent-pending closed loop technology.

“With the ecoTOTE 3.0 project, we set out to incorporate nearly two years of operating data from a wide range of markets and partner spirit brands, distributors and venues into our design and performance upgrades,” notes Zhang Shanshan, ecoSPIRITS Product Engineer and design lead on the ecoTOTE 3.0 project, “This is an exciting moment for our engineering team. We are confident the enhanced usability and performance will speak for themselves.” 

The ecoTOTE 3.0 offers ecoSPIRITS partner distributors and hospitality venues a range of performance upgrades over the prior generation ecoTOTE 2.0, improving ergonomics, usability, durability and economics. For ecoSPIRITS partner distributors, the ecoTOTE 3.0 offers more streamlined cleaning, sanitisation and filling, reducing labour time per ecoTOTE at the closed loop ecoPLANTS by as much as 75%. This translates into a further reduction in the operating cost of the ecoSPIRITS system. The ecoTOTE 3.0 is also 500 grams, or approximately 12%, lighter than the ecoTOTE 2.0, improving handling during closed loop distribution operations.

Machine-washable enclosures and caps streamline closed loop operations.

For ecoSPIRITS partner venues, the ecoTOTE 3.0 offers a number of design enhancements, including added top handles for improved ergonomics and a graduated inventory check window for seamless stock takes. An enhanced anti-scratch surface and improved enclosure design offer cleaner aesthetics – welcome upgrades for the many ecoSPIRITS partner venues who proudly showcase their ecoTOTES in the front-of-house environment. The popular nesting feature of the ecoTOTE 2.0 is carried over and enhancedproviding secure stacking and compact storage in the back-of-house.

The ecoTOTE 3.0 also delivers improved environmental performance – an objective that is central to ecoSPIRITS’ mission. The transition to injection-moulded plastic enclosures reduces the carbon footprint associated with the manufacture of each ecoTOTE by more than 12.5 kilograms of emissions, or more than 50%. The ecoSPIRITS Forest Program, which plants one tree for every cycle of an ecoTOTE through the ecoSPIRITS closed loop system, is showcased on the ecoTOTE 3.0 enclosure with the addition of the “One Tote, One Tree” mark. As with prior generations of hardware, ecoSPIRITS funds reforestation to fully offset the carbon impact of its own hardware manufacturing, making the production of each ecoTOTE 3.0 climate positive.

ecoSPIRITS new cloud-based ecoTOTE tracking service, with QR code tracking to improve fleet efficiency and security.

The release of the ecoTOTE 3.0 coincides with the launch of a global, cloud-based ecoTOTE tracking service, which will provide ecoSPIRITS partner distributors with real-time location information for all ecoTOTES in the global fleet. This feature will enhance tracking and fleet management, further streamlining closed loop operations and improving supply chain security.

The release of the ecoTOTE 3.0 is the first in a series of new product and technology announcements to come before the end of 2020. Taken together, these releases will deliver a comprehensive, generational upgrade to the entire ecoSPIRITS closed loop system.

ecoSPIRITS CEO Paul Gabie notes, “At ecoSPIRITS, our mission is to end single use glass in the spirits industry through ground-breaking circular hardware and technology solutions. The release of the ecoTOTE 3.0 marks another step in that journey. Through our rapidly growing movement of partner spirit brands, distributors and venues,  more than 20,000 ecoTOTES will be in closed loop service by the end of the year. Together, we are beginning to have a meaningful impact on the 40 billion single use glass bottles the spirits industry will produce in 2020.” 


Photography for ecoSPIRITS by Graeme Kennedy