It has long been familiar in the world of wine, but it is still largely unknown in Germany when it comes to spirits: the Bag-in-Box, or "BiB" for short. The principle is as simple as it is clever, and we quickly felt it was far too good to leave just to the wine shelf. Time, therefore, to talk more about it: What actually is this unassuming box, how does it work, and for whom is it worth it?
What is a Bag-in-Box?
The name says it all: the BiB is a bag inside a cardboard box. It doesn't sound particularly exciting, but it is a sophisticated and proven packaging system. On the outside, the sturdy corrugated cardboard casing protects the drink from light and impact. Inside, there is a tear-resistant, flexible plastic bag that holds the liquid and is equipped with a small tap. You turn it on, and the liquid flows out accurately. As the bag empties, it collapses, meaning no air enters and the contents are protected from oxidation.
Advantages of the Vodka BiB
The Bag-in-Box was not invented by us, but Partisan was one of the first brands to bring it to the German market with vodka. The principle offers tangible advantages for the environment and our customers, which is why, as pioneers in Germany, we wanted to offer it:
- Less weight: Ten glass bottles weigh significantly more than one BiB (A large Bag-in-Box weighs over 4 kg less: 10 x 1-liter bottles of Partisan Organic Wheat weigh 13.9 kg, while a Partisan Vodka BiB weighs only 9.8 kg.). This makes handling noticeably more efficient.
- Space-saving: The sturdy boxes can be stacked or placed close together and fit on most shelves. This means multiple liters of vodka can fit in a small space, whereas that is often more difficult with bottles.
- Less CO2: Using less material saves CO2 during production and recycling. Lower weight and better stackability also mean less fuel is needed for transport for the same amount of vodka, resulting in fewer emissions. This adds up over the entire supply chain.
- Less breakage: Without glass, nothing can break. While it can happen that a BiB gets a dent during transport, the contents usually remain undamaged. A glass bottle needs to be handled gently; the BiB can withstand rough handling.
- Hygienic: Thanks to the hermetically sealed system, no environmental influences can affect the vodka in the BiB. This keeps even a larger quantity of vodka aromatic and fresh for a long time.
Vodka in canisters vs. Bag-in-Box
Canisters for large quantities are well-known: for juices, syrups, or even spirits. Honestly, for good reason, because canisters are quite capable: they are also robust, storable, and some even have a tap. So, we won't pretend that our vodka in the Bag-in-Box outperforms the canister in every respect. But there are some differences that are decisive in everyday life.
Advantages of Vodka Bag-in-Box vs. Vodka Canister at a glance:
- No oxidation: The inner bag collapses as you dispense. No oxygen reaches the vodka. This perfectly protects the aroma until the last sip.
- No plastic taste: The special films used in Bag-in-Box systems are highly neutral in taste. Depending on the quality, a plastic canister can, conversely, impart a slight off-flavor to the contents over a long period.
- Easy dispensing: The integrated tap enables clean, drip-free portioning without glugging. A canister without a tap requires significantly more skill or a separate funnel when pouring.
- No decanting necessary: Vodka from the Bag-in-Box can be set up directly as a dispensing station at parties or in gastronomy.
- Extreme space-saving in the trash: Once the Bag-in-Box is empty, you separate the thin bag from the box. Both can be folded completely flat. An empty canister retains its bulky volume and blocks the trash bin.
- Efficient storage: When full, the square box can be stacked more stably and without gaps than many canister shapes.
- Appearance: The Bag-in-Box also looks good on the bar, whereas a plastic canister is more reminiscent of gasoline.
For whom is the 3- or 10-liter vodka worth it?
We know that not everyone needs several liters of vodka in their cupboard. If you only mix a few drinks once a month, a 0.7-liter bottle is perfect—that's what they're there for after all. The BiB is also not a replacement for the bottle, but an addition: for those cases when individual bottles are simply too small. Because as soon as many people come together, drinks are served regularly, or supply and handling become an issue, vodka in a box is not only more practical but also the more resource-friendly and often cheaper choice.
The Bag-in-Box for home and large gatherings
If you like to host parties and don't feel like taking a trip to the bottle bank afterwards, the Bag-in-Box is made for you. 3 liters of vodka are plenty for a private celebration, such as a birthday or a garden party. The small 3 L box also fits into any refrigerator without taking up the entire shelf.
And because you can dispense as needed, the rest stays clean in the bag until the next round.
When the BiB is empty: simply separate, fold, and place in the household trash to save space. That's how you can enjoy vodka without a mountain of glass and the hassle of returning empties to the container.
You can get the 3-liter vodka BiB directly in our online shop.
The Bag-in-Box for gastronomy and bars
In addition to the 3-liter vodka Bag-in-Box, we also offer a 10-liter version for businesses. This is usually the most efficient size for bars and gastronomy.
From the 10 L vodka box, you can either dispense directly into glasses or refill existing vodka bottles in a resource-friendly way.
The box also pays off in terms of space. Because it is wonderfully stackable, it takes up significantly less room in the storage area than a shelf full of glass bottles. Furthermore, the box reduces the pile of empty containers in gastronomy operations that someone has to clear away.
With its lower weight, the Bag-in-Box doesn't just relieve your back, but also your budget: the 10 liters of vodka in the box are available at a cheaper price per liter than 10 bottles—and that counts when vodka is being served by the liter over the bar.
Ask us for an individual quote.
The Bag-in-Box for batches and homemade preparations
In gastronomy, batching is everyday life: preparing a signature drink or popular cocktail in large quantities often saves crucial seconds, but usually requires more vodka than one bottle provides. That's why it's worth buying in large containers.
We know from our customers that the Bag-in-Box is also popular for making their own liqueurs, because it often doesn't stop at one bottle.
Whether it's a private experiment at the kitchen table, a professional batch, or for your own product for sale: whenever larger quantities of vodka are used, the 3 L or even 10 L vodka BiB is the best choice: this way you save costs and the constant opening of new bottles, while protecting the environment.
The Bag-in-Box for events and festivals
Especially for large events and festivals, everyone is well advised to use the Bag-in-Box. Whether it's weddings, catering, or a cocktail stand: here, large quantities are usually required in a small space. The Bag-in-Box brings everything that counts along with it.
At festivals, there is another decisive advantage for private groups: on the campsite, glass is usually forbidden or a bad idea, as potential shards would end up in the grass. With the Bag-in-Box, you can still supply your camping group for days—and it's easier to carry, too.
For professional serving at a festival stand, the same applies, just on a larger scale: nothing breaks, no glass in the audience area, and no chaos with empty bottles.
The Bag-in-Box for unpackaged and organic shops
There are places where the Bag-in-Box is not only practical but also fits the entire concept. Where packaging is consciously reduced, such as in unpackaged and organic shops, the large, recyclable Bag-in-Box for refilling is the logical choice. Customers bring their own bottle, fill the desired amount, and take exactly as much as they need, without a new glass bottle having to be produced for every portion.
For the trade itself, this is a double win. On one hand, an organic vodka like our Partisan Organic Wheat fits perfectly into the assortment in terms of content: certified organic, vegan, and made from German organic wheat. On the other hand, the 10-liter box makes handling easy: stackable, break-proof, with a clean tap. One container serves many refills, saving shelf space and effort when reordering. Or you can offer customers the smaller 3 L version of our organic vodka for home.
This completes the circle that sustainable shops pursue anyway: as little waste as possible with the highest possible quality. Our Partisan Vodka Bag-in-Box delivers this: German distillation craftsmanship in a mild but aromatic organic vodka, packaged in a resource-friendly way.
Tell us more about your concept and we will send you an individual quote.
Instructions: How do I operate the Partisan Bag-in-Box?
Operating our Partisan Vodka Bag-in-Box is simple. A few steps are enough to get it ready for dispensing:
Setting up: Place the box on a stable surface and press in the circular perforation. Open the pre-punched flap on the front, behind which the tap is located. Now pull the tap forward through the opening until it sits firmly in place.
For easy pouring, it is best to place the box at the edge of a table/shelf or on an elevated surface so that the tap overhangs.
Removing the safety seal: Before the first use, the safety seal on the tap must be removed: simply tear off the tear-off tab in a circle.
Dispensing: Now place the glass or bottle you want to fill under the tap. Open the tap by pushing the two side "wings" upwards with your thumb and index finger. The vodka flows until you let go. Then the tap closes automatically.
Storing: Once opened, a Bag-in-Box should be stored so that the tap is always at the lowest point. Since it is always surrounded by liquid, no air can flow in.
Disposal: Once the BiB is empty, you can open the cardboard box and remove the inner bag. The two components can be separated into the appropriate household waste: the cardboard goes into the paper recycling bin (flattened) and the bag into the recyclables bin.
The Bag-in-Box for dispensing systems
The Partisan Bag-in-Box can do more than just be tapped directly. With the right adapter, it can also be connected to tubes and dispensing systems: practical for bars, cocktail stands, and events. Do you need an adapter like that? Get in touch!
Partisan Vodka in the Bag-in-Box
Ultimately, the Bag-in-Box for our vodka is a fairly obvious idea: package a good vodka in such a way that as little as possible is left over, besides the vodka itself. What has long been a matter of course for wine, we have consistently transferred to the spirits sector.
Our Bag-in-Box contains Partisan Organic Wheat, our organic wheat vodka, which you might already know from the glass bottle. So you aren't getting a bait-and-switch, but the same product and the same quality as usual.
For us, sustainability doesn't mean sticking on a green label and selling it for more. It means making the better choice where it really counts - and packaging is one such area. We don't believe good quality should be a luxury. Conscious use of resources even less so.
So: the next time you need more than one bottle, you know what to reach for. Our organic vodka in the Bag-in-Box is available in 3 and 10-liter boxes. Because you don't need much, as long as it's the right thing - and sometimes you actually need a little bit less.
Buy vodka in the Bag-in-Box.
