1800 Tequila’s Zero-Waste Pop-Up Bar in Australia
Published 10 January 2023
Responding to the 76 million tonnes of debris produced in Australia each year, of which 27% goes to landfill (ABS, 2020), Mexican brand 1800 Tequila opened The Recycled Bar, a pop-up in Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden (December 9-10 2022). Built entirely from repurposed elements, it spotlights waste’s creative potential.
Created by Sydney-based artist and sculptor James Dive, the bar was designed to look as if it were being tipped out of a dump truck. The installation used scrap materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfill. While the walls were made of discarded timber from the Mad Max movie set, the ceiling was constructed using plastic bottles. The pop-up was also fitted with waste-free furniture and kitchenware, including salvaged concrete tables and recycled drinking glasses, created by sustainability-focused Australian designers and craftspeople.
With all proceeds going to non-profit Clean Up Australia, which helps communities clear up and conserve the environment, visitors could enjoy tequila-based cocktails like Strawberry & Cucumber Fizz, Mango Pickle Martini, and Spiced Ginger & Fresh Apple Smash. Zero-waste food options included a Poached Chicken & Basil Brioche Sandwich and a S’mores Waffle.
“It is particularly encouraging to see 1800 Tequila showcase what’s possible with The Recycled Bar, and celebrate solutions which move us towards a circular economy where everything is a resource and there is no such thing as waste,” says Clean Up Australia chair Pip Kiernan.
This is a savvy move for the spirit company, considering the majority of Australians (83%) are concerned about climate change (Ipsos, 2022).
Want to know more?
This article is an example of Stylus' expert research into how Food & Beverage trends are evolving. Get in touch so someone from the Stylus team can explain how your business can harness the power of trends and insights like these – and more.
