The Hewlett-Packard Co has strengthened its sustainability credentials with the purchase of biodegradable packaging company Choose Packaging. Scotland-based Choose Packaging specialises in creating plastic-free packaging solutions and claims to be the inventor of the only commercially-available zero-plastic paper bottle in the world. The bottles are made with naturally-occurring and non-toxic materials, and can hold a variety of liquids. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. Among Choose Packaging’s clients are several major players in the drinks industry, including Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard-owned flavoured rum Malibu. "We put innovation and sustainability at the heart of everything we do in our mission to be the world’s most innovative wine company,” said Accolade CMO Sandy Mayo. "Consumers are demanding more sustainable alternatives and we look forward to continuing our work together to be the first wine company globally to deliver 100% biodegradable packaging across some of our leading brands. "We are excited to see Choose join a recognised leader like HP ... ." Choose Packaging founder James Longcroft added “As a plastic-free packaging development company, we’ve successfully created technology that can provide a viable alternative to plastic bottles to help eliminate single-use PET packaging. “HP’s world-class capabilities and expertise can help scale our impact at a global level.” HP intends to integrate Choose Packaging into its personalisation & 3D printing business and scale the technology to expand the market for sustainable packaging. Beverage industry’s prioritisation of environment highlighted by December recruitment levels – data