The Danish brewer has developed a prototype “green fibre” bottle as a biodegradeable alternative.
Glass bottles have to be recycled in the UK or washed for re-use up to 25 times in other markets.
But as the process uses energy and water, a viable alternative is set to become hugely significant.
Carlsberg is also ditching plastic ring multi-can holders which trap animals and clog up the oceans.
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We are thinking of a completely new packaging for bottles, which is a green fibre bottle that will be made from a controlled wood source, so a bio-base
From next month four, six and eight packs held together by dots of recyclable glue will be sold in the UK.
It is a move that will reduce the brewer’s plastic use by up to 76 per cent, the equivalent of 60 million plastic bags a year.
The company has also developed a toxin-free ink for labels.
The innovations are part of Carlsberg’s pledge to reduce its carbon footprint and water waste to zero by 2030.
Spokeswoman Myriam Shingleton said: “We are thinking of a completely new packaging for bottles, which is a green fibre bottle that will be made from a controlled wood source, so a bio-base.”